GROWING EARLY VEGETABLE PLANTS UNDER GLASS 1 55 
amount of moisture. See that the soil is pressed firmly 
in the corners and along - the sides. Level the surface 
with a straight-edge, make furrows i to 2 inches apart 
and 54-inch deep, the first row being about ^2 inch from 
the end of the flat. The rows should be parallel and 
neatly made. Distribute seed at the rate of about 12 to 
the inch. Close furrows in the most convenient way; 
firm the soil with a block ; water and place in the proper 
temperature. Fifty to 60 degrees Fahrenheit provides the 
best conditions for lettuce, cabbage and cauliflower, while 
FIG. 41. FLAT OF CABBAGE SEEDLINGS 
70 to 80 degrees is better for tomato and other tender 
vegetables. Figure 41 shows a flat of cabbage seedlings. 
A flat 16x2254 inches should produce about 1,000 plants. 
215. Care of seedlings. — Proper temperatures must be 
provided for the growing seedlings. If too high, the 
plants will be spindly, soft and tender. Some fresh air 
should be admitted to the hotbed or the greenhouse every 
day. Water must not be used too freely, for excessive 
watering and high temperatures are certain to produce 
weak plants. Apply water in the morning, if possible, 
and try to have the foliage dry at night to avoid damp- 
ing-off fungi. 
216. Transplanting. — Some growers begin transplant- 
ing a few days after germination, but it is generally 
