The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1882-04-05
Culture of the Tomato.

gives III Jne country gentleman the fol-
lowing directions TOR growing tomatoes I:
lie says either as fruit for the table or
as product for market the tomato is
held in, and is worthy OF, high esteem.
1t seems to have place filled by no
other relish, being agreeable to the
palate and inviting to the eye. Add to
Its many other good qualities that of its
immense productive capacity, and no
wonder that the subject of It's culture is
so often referred to- Every section and
locality must be governed by the closing
season of frost, as very light frost de-
stroys the young and tender plants.
About eight or ten weeks previous to
the last expected frost, seed may be sown
in the hot bed, or if there is no hot-bed
seed may be sown in window boxes.
Early bearing of the plant is promoted
by transplanting or picking out" the
young plants as they come to suitable
size. A dozen or two of plants will sup
ply the wants of large family for the
season. Only thrifty, strong, and healthy
plants should be planted out, and in
order to secure this the young plants
should have plenty of room, in the seed
bed or boxes, with good, rich sandy loan
soil, and be kept we'll watered, occasion
ally giving liquid manure This is also
essential, after planting out in gar EN-
soil up to the time of maturity OF the
fruit. A dark, warm sandy loan soil,
made rich through fertilizing for pre-
vious crops, suits the tomato. Some
light application of thoroughly rotted
manure, ashes, or guano will stimulate
quick growth, as early production is
usually very desirable If the soil is
poor, manure heavily, broadcast, and in
the hill, with we'll rotted and fined stable
manure and compost
The land having been properly pre-
pared, it should be laid off in rows and
hills four feet each way: Make the hills
large and the soil mellow and fine. Dig
out a hole sufficiently large and deep to
hold the roots of the plant with any
clinging earth from its previous bed
with one hand hold the plant in position
in the hole, while with the other pour
water to fill the hole. If properly done
the mellow soil will fill in about the roots
and nearly fill the hole and hold the
plant so that, if freshly taken from its
bed, it will not wilt even if trans-planted
In hot sunshine. When the water has
settled away, fill around the plant with
good fresh soil. prefer to train tomato
plants to stake, when, if properly cared
for, there will be more and better fruit.
Side shoots should be stopped at the first
blossom your fruit is then fully exposed
to the sun, is always clean, and sweeter
than if grown on plants not thus trained.
The stakes may be the same as for beans,
and when set as high as mans head.
Attention will be needed to tie up and
nip the side shoots as the plants grow,
which can be done when hoeing.
Varieties are numerous, with very lit
tie difference in earliness, more being
due to culture in this respect; but there
are other differences to be considered,
such as flavor, meatiness, perfect coloring,
and ripening. A round, smooth, thick
meated fruit is to be preferred, other
things being equal The best [ have
tried is the Acme. Rot sometimes at
tacks the tomato, its cause being largely
due to warm, wet weather, and heavy
dews, especially where the plants spread
and lie low, or on the ground in mass.
Thin planting, pruning, and tying to
stakes will obviate this difficulty in
nearly every instance, so that where the
plants are properly raised and trained
from the ground little damage is to be
apprehended.
M. de Quatrefage8 recommends per-
manganate of potash as an antidote for
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