The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1899-10-31
aORTICULTURE
CULTIVATION OF TOMATOES.

4CmaVO growing Is one or the most
| pleasant and profitable industries for
the farmer and market gardener. The
fruit can be used in many ways for
household necessities, and where q
market is near is good money in mar
keting. Under ordinary circumstances
an acre will produce 200 to 500 bushels
Of first class fruits. If this be sold in
crates Of three-fourths of a bushel
each, the crop will bring $3.50 to $500,
per acre. In some localities the price
seldom drops below five cen Fs a pound,
but as a general rule choice tomatoes
will command at least two cents
throughout the season.
The tomato may be grown on any
average soil, but will yield more salts.
factory returns from a light sandy
loan, with warm exposure. If the
land is too rich from barnyard ma
nure, the vines will probably be too
rank and fruits not ripen. Tomatoes
rC q lire considerable nitrogen, and
must have suitable fertilizers contain
ing this element of plant food. II the
ground is we'll prepared and about half
ton OF fertilizer containing proper
tion of available phosphoric acid per
cent, potash and nitrogen 4, the
plant foods will be all that the crop re-
quires.
There are many varieties possessing
differing degrees of merit, but, as q
rule, the Stone will give entire satisfac-
tion as a hard, long shipper. The
Canada Victor is fine, solid tomato,
desirable for shipping or canning.
Among the large varieties the Imperial
il one OF the best. The old timers such
as Acme, Beauty and Perfection each
have good qualities, and are always in
demand. 1t is we'll for the grower to
study the conditions of soil, climate
and market facilities, before selecting
seed, then secure several seed cata-
logues and read up thu characteristics
Of each variety before deciding what to
plant
S9ed should be obtained fresh every
year from reliable growers. II early
tomatoes are wanted, and they are the
m ost profitable, seed may be etart
ed in boxes in the house, or hot BED g out
of doors. For late plants the best plan
is to burn brush heap, in some fair
spot. rake off the trash, and dig in the
ashes, while warm, and SOW the seed
broadcast. After raking in and firm
ing the surface with shovel, place a
good covering Of fine brush over the
bed and leave until all danger Of frost
is over. These plants will be hardy.
Transplantipg is best done while the
plants are small, only four leaves show
ing. A dibble, or sharpened peg about
ten inches long, in the shape Of car.
rot, is the best tool for this work.
Where the land is irrigated, bitches
should be filed with water until the
soil is wet and the plants put in during
the afternoon. II the burrows run
north and south and the plants are set
on the west side, the beds will hold
moisture longer and a stand is easier
secured. For general cultivation with
a pIow the burrows should be at least
three feet apart and plants set three
feet in the rows. If only smell patch
is desired, and land cultivation is the
method, the vines may stand two feet
either way.
Thorough cultivation is necessary
for success in tomato culture. When
the plants reach one foot they should
be trelLised, if that plan is desired.
Some use poles, tying the vines up,
others have frames and some use wire
poultry netting. AS general rule the
vines will do as we'll without trellises,
if topped when about two feet high.
This is done by clipping back all the
shoots with sharp shears. If the blight
or black rot appears the vines demand
thorough watering, which in most
cases will destroy the causes Of dis
ease. When the vines become a very
dark green they must have water to
make the fruits set.
Picking is best done in the morning
after the vines are dry. Ali fruits
showing even the elighteet color should
be picked and placed in dark boxes to
ripen. Toe mcs5 successful gardeners
pick the fruits as soon as the under
side gets white, and store in boxes to
ripen. This insures a more uniform
color and enables the grower to mar
ket in large quantities. For home use
the solid, half ripe specimens are the
best, if put in large five gallon tin cans
and sealed, instead of using the smaller
bottles. JOEL EHOMAKER.
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