Indeed, plants started
early in the fall will give in a greenhouse a good supply all
winter. Tomatoes also grow readily in hot-beds, cold-frames, or
sunny windows. We can usually buy well-forwarded plants from those
who raise them for sale. If these are set out early in May on a
sunny slope, they mature rapidly, and give an early yield. The
tomato is very sensitive to frost, and should not be in the open
ground before danger from it is over. Throughout May we may find
plants for sale everywhere. If we desire to try distinct kinds
with the least trouble, we can sow the seed about May 1, and in
our climate enjoy an abundant yield in September, or before. In
the cool, humid climate of England the tomato is usually grown en
espalier, like the peach, along sunny walls and fences, receiving
as careful a summer pruning as the grape-vine. With us it is
usually left to sprawl over the ground at will. By training the
vines over various kinds of supports, however, they may be made as
ornamental as they are useful. The ground on which they grow
should be only moderately fertile, or else there is too great a
growth of vine at the expense of fruit. This is especially true if
we desire an early yield, and in this case the warmest, driest
soil is necessary.
But comparatively a few years ago the tomato consisted of little
more than a rind, with seeds in the hollow centre.
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