Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1861-03-29
agrifdtnral.
Aints on Starting Garden Plants
Early EEz Sprin9.

EARLY iEa SnFEng.
Various methods nlsy as res,rted ia for nrocr-.
ing early vegetables ard 11wers in all climates and
especially IN the col7er regions Of the rAss North
ern States, and Of the British Provinces. as well
IS for securing the growth Of those plants which
will not ordinarily mature where the season IS verv
shott Greenhouses, het-beds and cold frames
are the most desirable, aud these are destined 10
come into more extensive use, wien people gener-
aTany learn how simple, cheap aud valuable thev
are. OF these we speak from time 10 time here
we viii only refer to enc or two methods that may
be adopted by an
First, lea IL be remembered, that a soil deeulv
dug and thoroughly drained. Is ia condition to
receiVe seeds and plants mech earlier than an or
binary sois no matter hcw dry it may Do. A free
admixtare Of fermenting manure, ike that from tho
horse stable, also tends to warm tie soif.
The smaller seeds, lsttuee. cabbage, eaulifower.
tuznips, tomasees. many Of lhe fower seeds. etc.
may well be so#n in cheap eaTtheu pots or in boxes
Of earth. These boxes, If water-tight. shculd have
ginlet holes the bottom to drain off all excess ar
wateri over dose of water with no drainaga
VIII often stop greatly retard the gro#th,--
Though not Indispensable it IS always preferable IA
water at the bottoms lstting only so much soak il
as viii naturally rise bJ capillary attraction. wble
the weather remains cold during tha dsg. tae.a
boxes or pots may be kept in a n4rm light eeII.r
Of better stiii room slightly warmed by IRE hen
nat as so9u as the o1f-ceor temperature during
the day Is above the freezing point, they should he
leif out IN the sun, and only be brought in at njeht
when there IS prospect Of frost. Ii answers very
Wen to leave them on the south sice of ! b.sn
during the day, aud remove them 10 the barp-tloor
at night, covering with straw If needed to gyae., ot
irost. By vesy little care Of this kina anv -.
may have an abundant supply Of plants. ready :.
be transferred 10 the open ground wbaa &c.. -
frost is past.
Another method which has been bist,S -
mended q sons, is his Cat turf or grass sods.
Pare etf little Of the grass side Inyert the
pieces and Plant in then sarioas seeds. sueb A.
Cabbage, iuttuce, cHcumbers. melons, corn. tur.
APPS, radlshess asieed any thing which Is desired 4
E.sA eartE thesasa ns laid rlssely tesgsflsAr ~
the south side Of tbs house or barn. takfae care u
apply from zine to time. Just water enough r. tasr,
them barely moist. On Geld nights tlev "a, :.
covered Eith old carpeting or blankets. and Sfr,.
until the plants begin 10 appear, after which tbs
pieces should be Temporarily removed to The cI,,.
whenever there is danger Of frost. As so.n-as -.
condition Of the soil and weather renders !; safa
the sods or turf may be cut into small pieces sac,,
one eontaining one or more growing plants. and
then set them into the epen ground. There ia
double advantage in this process 4 gain of ona
70 three weeks in time secured aud the sod or turf
Is an excellent Tateria!for prompting future growth
and fertility. Amy one who wiz try this method
for single season viii not be likely to omit IL aE
teTwards. Three or four hours of Tina exnend,5
in this way, viii secure considerable sIppIv ~
extra early products Of various kinds.
Those who have few old baskets viii s,a N.
following plan good one: Put into the baskat.
quantity or good soil, with rotten chips. with -
without some well rotted manure, as may bo mead
ed BY ths soil used. Plant in each basket a f.w
melon, cucumber, squash, or puapkin seeds. Tba
baskets can be carried in or oat according 10 the
state OF the weather. After the plants are II viy-
orous growth, and the weather suitable Sc, the bss
Sets m the soil, one IN hfl, without diztn-l,;,,,
the eon5snts- II the sides and betsoms ~ tss
baskets be rot pretty opon, a number af kof..
should te punched through The roots VII 80,
their way cur into the surrounding sol B. ssart-
ing early 50 as to have large vigorous pIess grow
ing in the baskets of earth by the rire se we,tba-
IS settled, you may have cuclmbers ready for tie
table almost IS soon as other peopie have nlant.
coming up, and melons and other products urono-.
aon4teiy early-.fmerfeaH -fgric1sllursst