CHAPTER XV 
TRANSPLANTING 
202. Reasons for transplanting. — There are many im- 
portant reasons for transplanting: (i) Some crops can be 
matured much earlier by starting the plants in hotbeds 
or greenhouses, transplanting in about a month and 
finally setting in the open ground. (2) Operations are 
concentrated. It is much less expensive to combat weeds, 
insects and diseases on a very small area than in a large 
field. Then, again, it is less expensive to water and to 
give the plants the necessary care when confined to a 
small plat. (3) On small areas ideal conditions can be 
provided for the growing of delicate plants that require 
nursing. (4) The ground to be used is often occupied 
with another crop, hence the necessity of growing plants 
elsewhere and of having them ready at the proper time. 
(5) A more ramified root system is developed. In lifting 
the plants, some of the small, tender roots are broken, 
and branching occurs to a greater extent. Severance of 
the roots is therefore regarded as an advantage by many 
practical gardeners. There are instances, of course, 
where it is a decided disadvantage. (6) Some writers 
claim that transplanting increases the earliness of certain 
crops, which if frequently shifted produce their salable 
parts sooner than if grown without transplanting. The 
tomato is a notable example. The theory is, that a fre- 
quent disturbance of the root system induces fruitful- 
ness and hastens maturity. 
Transplanting may or may not be a severe operation. 
When plants are pulled, and stripped of all soil and fine 
roots, it is extremely severe and often results in the death 
of the plants. If the shift is made with considerable soil 
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