H. G. Hastings <fc Co., Seedsmen and Florists, Interlachen, Florida. 
O 
moreover, in broadcast sowings much of the seed must he lost, from being too deeply covered 
or left entirely uncovered. 
In order to have strong, healthy plants, commence thinning out in time; if plants stand 
too closely in the bed or row, they inevitably become spindling and weak and never will 
succeed. 
Gardeners who are anxious for very early vegetables, and sow seeds before the 
frosts are past, of course take the risk of losing their labor. There is so much satisfaction, 
however, in .having the first of anything, and seeds cost so little, that it is worth the 
experiment. There are many ways to protect these early sowings. 
Rain water is best for watering ; but if well water is used, let it be drawn up long enough 
to get the temperature of the air, otherwise it will chill the plant. It is best to water about 
sundown. Water should never be sprinkled on the leaves of plants while the sun is shining. 
Transplanting should be done, if possible, about sundown, and immediately before, 
during, or after a shower, but not when the ground is soaked. Make the holes with a dibble, 
insert the root, pour a little water about it and press the earth carefully around the stalk. If 
in hot, dry weather shade until well established with pieces of cedar boughs or shingles. 
Some seeds are sown where they are to remain and mature ; others are sown in seed beds 
and transplanted. Cover the seeds to a depth about twice the size of the seed. Some seeds, 
such as peas, beans and corn, can be covered to a depth of one to two inches, and do well. 
All wrinkled peas and sugar corn have to be covered lighter and more carefully than marrow¬ 
fat peas or the common varieties of corn. It depends also on the nature of the soil; heavy, 
wet soils have to be covered lighter than sandy light soil. When seeds are sown in a seed 
bed the ground should be light enough not to bake after a rain. Some varieties must be 
protected from the sun, and the shade must be at least three feet above them, and shafcle only 
after the sun has been on the bed for two or three hours. Too much shade makes them 
come up scrawny and spindling; three or four hours’ sun and then shaded makes them 
strong and sturdy. Sow all seed thinly in the seed beds. If plants come up too thick they 
will damp off. 
HOT BEDS. 
These are only needed at the south for very tender vegetables like egg plants, tomatoes, 
peppers, cucumbers, etc., for early trucking in certain sections. 
TO THE TRUCKER OR MARKET GARDENER. 
There is a broad field yet to growers of vegetables for shipping. The past season in some 
sections has not been a good one on account of the rain, but generally reports have been 
satisfactory. Cabbage paid better than for any past season, and prices obtained were good. 
Unfortunately, however, there seems to have been great complaints from many sections of 
cabbage going to seed, or being badly mixed with cauliflower, turnips, etc. In fact we have 
seen whole acres a total failure, due to poor or mixed seed. We sympathize with the unfor¬ 
tunate. It is too bad to lose both the money for the seed and the crop. Better luck next 
TIME IF YOU PURCHASE OF US. 
Peas, beans, and corn have done well, especiallv the Best of All Bean, Daisy Pea Bean 
and Improved Valentine ; certain Wax sorts arrived in poor condition and brought little or 
nothing, in some instances not enough to pay the freight. Why truckers prefer to plant the 
old poor sorts in preference to paying a fair price for newer and more desirable shipping sorts, 
that come earlier, and ship in prime condition, we cannot understand, unless it be that they 
are not posted as to the better strains. Send to us and we will give you points. 
Emerald Green Cucumbers brought good returns, not only being the first to arrive, but 
those planting later received well paying dividends, all on account of its beautiful clear white 
and deep green color, as well as its plump, solid condition. Others of an inferior sort called 
White Spine, arriving at the same time, were a drug, bringing hardly cost of freight. 
We invite every trucker and market gardener who has not tested our seeds, and others 
contemplating raising vegetables for shipping, to do so. We shall be happy to quote you our 
special rates. Your interests and ours are identical. 
A. REDFIELD PETTIT, Manager. 
H. G. HASTINGS & CO. 
