20 
BULLETIN 78. 
variety. A portion of the crop grown by Mr. Harlow 
was from seed of his own saving. Too often purchased 
seed is not what it is recommended; it may be (for all the 
purchaser is aware) the refuse from canning factories. 
It would seem the wise thing for our growers to save their 
seed from perfect specimens. 
PROPAGATION OF THE PLANTS. 
Every grower of tomatoes should be prepared to 
grow his own plants and these of the finest quality. By 
so doing he has the plants at hand to put in the field, 
without any deterioration in quality, when the soil is 
ready and the water at hand. To get the best results, 
the soil for the bed should be prepared by composting. 
It is not essential that glass should be used, but it is pref¬ 
erable for starting early plants. Canvass requires con¬ 
siderable more care and labor in affording additional pro¬ 
tection. Furthermore, it requires considerable more 
bottom heat as there is not so much heat secured from 
the sun. In times of bad weather too much shade may 
be the result with canvass, causing the plants to grow too 
spindling. 
When plants are started in February or early March, 
glass should be used. Before they become large enough 
to crowd (in early April) they may be shifted to a can¬ 
vass covered bed. 
CONCLUSIONS. 
1. Some good crops have been grown every year and if proper 
methods are employed good results may be secured by a large ma¬ 
jority of the growers every year. 
2. Seed of known quality must be used. 
3. Proper selection of varieties is essential. 
4. The plants must be started early so as to give them age, 
strength and a good root system. 
5. The plants should be thrifty and set in open field as early as 
frost will permit. 
6. Sandy or loamy soil is preferable but it should be well 
fertilized with some quick acting fertilizer; that a virgin soil and 
alfalfa sod give good results. 
7. A constant and uniform supply of moisture, but not too 
abundant until the blooming period is well started. 
8. Close planting that the ground may be shaded to avoid 
injury to vine and fruit. 
9. The tomato is a valuable crop with which to subdue alfalfa 
for succeeding crops. 
10. The crop should be ready for canning fully three weeks 
earlier than has been the custom, thus insuring profit to the grower 
and the packer. 
