The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1913-06-06

1 drainage under three inches OF soil,
make fine beds for the tiny seedlings
when first transplanted, These deep
or ones also make good trays in which
to set thumb pots, II these are used,
as the soil. sand, or whatever is used
around them may be kept moist, and
so keep the soil in the pots from dry.
ing out by evaporation
FIJI the fiat; dampen the soil: press
1t down firm and smooth, and set
aside until the next day before sowing
the seed Warmth preferably bot
tom heaD and a slightly moist bed
are the only essentials for seed germ
ination, but as soon as the little plant
lets are developed. they need plenty
OF light, though not a wilting.hot sun.
light, until they get stronger. If the
plantlets come up badly crowded, pull
up a few, as crowding, next to over
watering, is the most common cause
Of "damping Off Transplant as Of
ten as is necessary to keep the plants
strong and stocky, until they can be
planted out. Usually, a couple OF
times is sufficient, but if the seeds
were sown very early, or the season
proves cold and backward, a third
shift my be needed; but, my word for
it, the final results will pay well for
the trouble.
When the time comes to put the
plants in the beds, be sure thht the
soil is well raked, free of Jumps and
stones; make the holes or trenches;
fill water into them, and then set the
plants with as little disturbance Of the
roots as possible Bring the wet
earth around the ball Of roots, and
then draw a mulch of dry soil over it.
The dry soil holds the moisture under
it, and when treated in this way, the
plants rarely need shading, especially
If the transplanting can be done to-
wards evening.
BY the time it is safe to set the
plants out the first crop of bugs will
be found ready and waiting for them.
The experienced gardener is expect
ing them, and has put in a supply of
ammunition, and has the guns loaded
ready for the fight, realizing that the
ounce Of prevention is worth pounds
of cure. Order a supply of insect.
cides with the seeds, for there is alb
solutely no chance of their not being
needed.
If striped beetles attack the cucum-
Der and other vines, and no other
remedy is at hand, sprinkle the plants
and the soil all around with pepper
mixed with -four or fine dust. It is
a wiser plan to use the remedy before
the enemy appears. When plants wilt
down without apparent cause, exam
inc the roots of few and see if blue
or black aphis can be found. If so,
make strong tobacco tea and pour
around the plants until the soil is
soaking wet to the depth of the long
est root. After a day or two make
another examination, and if found
give another dose of the
.ea.
Cut-worms are quickly located by
he work they do, and are easily
'ound by digging around the stalk of |
he injured plants. The big, greasy |
.hings are about the color of the soil,
1ut one looking for them will not miss !
hem. If hunting and killing is too |
edious, then soak the ground with /
kerosene emulsion. Early morning is |
he best time to hunt them, as they go
leeper into the soil during the day.
When weeds have been fought ali
it is poor policy to stop
md let them run riot to fill the soil
With seeds to be fought the next year
When the last table crop has matured
nd been used, rake the soil level and
ow cow peas, turnips, rye or any
hing that can be turned under in the
pring and be a help to the soil-any-
hing to crowd out weeds.
Moisture is another consideration
,ith the gardener, but the soil that
) we'll underlaid with fertilizer will
,ithstand a dry spell" that would
uin poor, dry one; for plants grow
lg in it strike their roots deeply, and
o draw their supply from deeper
own. When the hot, dry days of
Midsummer come, stirring the surface
oil frequently prevents evaporation,
nd saves the moisture in the soil for
le plants.
Grass clipping or similar stuff
Dread as a mulch will serve the same
urpose, but if the time comes when
le applying of water is positively
ecessary. don't as you value the gar
en-, do any shallow watering. Give
ach row a soaking, or let it alone,
II the surface watering that calls
le roots near to the top of the soil
worse than none at all
Have plenty of tools and keep them
l together. If regulation tools are
1t easy to work with, think out some
ing that will be more so. :
opyright. 1913. Shultz Syndicate Press)
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