Laurel outlook., 1950-05-03
Observation-Disclosures Observation-Disclosures
Yard and Garden
By Leonard wager
Assistant Horticulturist
Montana Extension Service

Settlng Out fIdnlS
Plants started indoors need con
siderable attention when frs
planted outdoors. Plants of hea,
lettuce, and early cabbage a b.
set out into the garden in earl.
May, but one should wait until al
danger of frost is past befor'
transplanting tomatoes, elephants
peppers, etc. Late cabbage, celery
cauliflower and brboccoli can b
planted about mid--May.
In the past it has been recon.
mended that plants be hardened
off well before transplanting. Pres
ent evidence indicates that the
hardening off process does more
harm than good with many of these
transplant crops.
One should select a calm, cool,
cloudy day for transplanting if pos
sible. 1t is unwise to set the plants
out in hot sum-. Planting just be-
fore an expected rain is ideal in
establishing transplants with as
little setback as possible.
Young, vigorous, w~ell-grown
plants are desirable for trans
planting. Do not use tall, ungainly
plants that are grown in over
crowded conditions. Plants should
be dark green in color to indicate
growth in good soil and plenty Of
sunlight. Plants grown in pots or
bands are preferred over ordinary
flat grown specimens, but these are
usually higher in price. Plants
grown in individual containers suf-
fer less shock in transplanting be-
cause of least damage to roots.
In removing plants from the
flats or containers one should be
careful not to disturb the roots and
soil any more than is possible. The
soil should be good and moist so
that it will cling to the roots well.
Roots should not be exposed any
than necessary while do
ing the transplanting.
Mark out the garden rows for
the plants and use correct spacing
the crops do not suffer from
overcrowding later on. Spacings
suggested are
Head lettuce, II inches by IS
inches to "a inches; celery, II
inches by sc inches, early cabbage,
I8 inches by 80 inches, late cab
page, "a inches by 36 inches;
oruned tomatoes, SO inches by 48
inches; unpruned tomatoes, 48
inches by 60 inches; cauliflower
md broccoli, "a inches by SO
inches; eggplant, IS inches by
inches; peppers, II inches by 80
inches.
These spacings r arbitrary and
nay be increased or decreased de-
lending On moisture conditions and
Methods of cultivation. Plants
should be spaced wider in gardens
which depend solely on natural
ainfall.
Plants should be set slightly
than they were growing be-
ore transplanting. If tall, lanky
ra%nsplants of tomatoes must be
.sed, they "a be planted deeper
S they will root again from the
TENS. In preparing the soil for
lanting, dig the hole with a trowel
eep enough and wide enough to
ccommodate the roots without
ramping the plants. Firm the
liant in the soil well and even the
oil around the plant with loose
irt. Water the plant throughly
Immediately after planting. This
lso helps to settle the soil around
lie plant roots. Shingles or other
cards placed on the south side of
he plants help to protect them
hot sun and wind, until they
established.
Enrich soils with well-rotted
before planting. If COM
fertilizers are used do not
ermit them to come in direct con-
lct with the plant roots. Some
a liquid fertilizer solution
nd pour it around the roots of the
ansplanted plant. Use chemical
.rtilizers according to directions
do not overfertilize.
Cutworms relish young garden
ants. The best method of control
to spread poison bats. Individual
ants may be protected by saving
scarded tin cans or ice cream O.,
rtons and removing the bottoms
these. Then the can or carton is
lshed around the plant to a depth
one-half inch. Plants are also
detected from strong winds in this ,