The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-03-29
agricultural,
Prom the American Agrieulturist
Hints on starting Carbon Plants car
ly in Spring.

Various methods may be res0rted % fOi
procuring early vegetables and flowers. IN
AL climates, and especially IN the colder ~
yions Of the most Northern Statcs, and OF
che British provinces, as well rs for securing
che growth Of those plants which will not
ordinarily mature where the season Is very
short. Green houses, hot-beds, and cold
frames, are the most desirable, and these
are destined to come into more extensive
use. when people generally learn how simple
cheap and durable they are. OF these we
speak from time TO time; here We will only
refer TO one or two methods that may be
adopted by all. =,
First, let il be remembered, that a soil
deeply dug and thoroughly drained, Is in a
condition 10 receive seeds or plants much
earlier than an ordinary soil, no matter how
dry il may be. A free admixture of iermen-
ting manure like that from the horse stable,
also tends to warm the soil.
The smaller seeds, lettuce, cabbage. cauli-
flowers, turnips. tomatoes, many OF the How
or seeds, etc., may well be sown in cheap
earthern pots, or in boxes OF earth. These
boxes, if water-tight, should have gimlet
holes in the bottom 10 drain OF excess OF
water; an over dose OF water with no drain
age, will often stop or rotard growth
Though not indispensable, il is always pre-
ferablo TO water at the bottom, letting only
go much soak in as will naturally rise by
capiliary attraction. While the weather
remains cold during the day. these boxes or
pots may be kept in warm light cellar, OF
better still, in a room slightly warmed by
fire-hcat. But rs soon as the outdoor tenn
perature during the day is above freezing
Point, they should be left out in the sun
and only DO brought in at night when Their
is prospect Of frost. Ii answers very wei
10 leave them ON the south side OF a barn
during the day, and remove them to the
barn aoor at night, covering with straw Il
needed TO keep out Of the frost. BY very
little care Of this kind any one may have an
abundant supply of plants, ready to bC
transferred 20 the open ground when danger
of frust is past.
Another method which has been highly
commended by some is this Cut turf OF
grass sods into square blocks, or IN long
pieces If grass sods, pare OF a little OF th'
grass side. lnyert the pieces and plant u
them various seeds, such as cabbage, lettuce
cucumbers, melons, corn, turnips, radishes
indeed anything which is desired to grow
early. These can be laid closely together on
the south side OF tho house or barn, taking
care to apply from time 10 time, just water
enough to keep them barely moist. On cold
nights they can be covered with old carpet
ings, or blankets and straw, until the plants
begin toappear, after which the pieces should
De temporarily removed to the cellar when
ever there is danger Of frost. AS soon
as the condition of tho soil and weather rem
hers il safe, the sOds or turf may be cut
into small piecy~, each one containing one
or moro plants, and then set them into the
open ground. There Is u double advantage
in this process a gain of one To three weeks
in time is secured, and the sod or turf Is al
excellent material Tor promoting future gro II
and fertility. Any one who will try TIN
method for single season, will not be likel.
90 omit il Afterwards, Three or four hour
of time expended in tins way, will secure I
considerable supply OF extra carly product
OF various kinds.
Those who have a few old baskets viii
find the following plan a good one Pu
into the baskets a quantity OF good soil
with rotten chips, with or without som
well rotted manure, as may be needed by tn
soil used. Plant in each basket few melon
cucumber, squash, or pumkin seeds. tn
baskets can be carried in or out according :
the state Of the weather. After the plant
are in vigorous growth, and the weathe
suitable, set the baskets in the soil, one in
hill without disturbing the contents. II tb
sides and bottoms OF the baskets are no
pretty opcn, q number Of holes should b
punched through. The roots will find thei
way out into the surrounding soil. BY start
ing carly, so as to have large vigorous plant
growing in the baskets of earth by the tim
the weather is settled, you may have eucun
bers ready for the table almost as soon a
other pccple have plants coming up, an
melons and other products propOrtiona'el
carly.