140 
VEGETABLE GARDENING 
adhering and very few roots broken, there may be no re- 
tarding of growth. While root pruning is sometimes de- 
sirable, it should as a rule be practiced as little as possi- 
ble. Plants which have a great many small, fibrous roots 
can usually be transplanted without difficulty. To this 
class belong cabbage, tomato, lettuce, eggplant, pepper, 
parsley, celery, onion and some others. It is difficult to 
successfully transplant pea, bean, corn, beet, turnip, rad- 
ish, melon, squash and other vegetables, because they 
have relatively few fibrous roots. The transplanting of 
these crops is simple enough, provided their roots are not 
disturbed, hence the popular practice of starting some 
of them in pots and other receptacles and of shifting 
without disturbing the surrounding soil. 
Transplanting is decidedly more successful in humid 
climates than in arid regions. It is difficult in many parts 
of the West to transplant to the field because of low 
humidity and of drying winds. 
203. Soil selection and preparation. — Whether trans- 
planting to the field or under glass, a fine soil is of prime 
importance. The same principle is here involved as in 
the germination of seeds. Unless the fine particles of 
moist soil come in contact with the feeding rootlets, the 
plant cannot become established in its new home. To 
secure a fine texture may require the frequent use of 
tillage tools in the field and the screening of soils for 
hotbed, cold frame or greenhouse work. 
Moisture is equally important ; each particle of soil 
ought to be surrounded with a film of water. Too much 
care cannot be exercised in providing the right moisture 
conditions. Every tillage operation should be studied 
from this standpoint. It may be necessary to use manures 
freely to increase the water-holding power of the soil or 
to irrigate before planting. In frame or greenhouse 
work where there is an abundant supply of water the 
problem is simple enough. 
