OLERICULTURE

Olericulture is one of the branches of Horticulture that deals with

vegetables. Olericulture is derived from that latin word ‘oleris’ which

means pot herb and the English world culture which means cultivation.

The olericulture means cultivation of pot herbs. However, presently it is

broadly used to indicate the cultivation of vegetables. The term

‘vegetable gardening’ is more popular to signify olericulture in the

present context. The term vegetable is applied to the edible

herbaceous plant or parts there of which are consumed generally in

unripe stage after cooking.

Nutritional value of Vegetables:

Vegetables are the cheapest source of natural protective

agents foods contributing vitamins, minerals and proteins and calories.

They also supply roughages which helps to improve digestion and

prevention of constipation.

Vitamins:

Those are essential for regulating body processes. They are

found in small or large quantities in most natural form in the

vegetables. Among them.

Vitamin A - Is essential for normal growth. Reproduction and

maintenance of health and vigour. It offers protection against cold and

influenza and helps in improving eye sight. It can be had from palak

spinach, amaranthus, fenugreek, carrot, cabbage, lettuce peas and

tomatoes. Green leafy vegetables are rich in carotenes which is the

precursor of vitamin A.

Vitamin –B complex:

Tones the nervous system and helps in proper functioning of the

digestive tract. Its deficiency in human diet results in ‘Beri Beri’ a

disease condition and loss of appetite. Beans are rich source of this

vitamin peas and asparagus are also good sources.

Vitamin – C:

Promotes general health and healthy gums prevents scurvy and

keeps the blood vessels in a good condition cabbage green chilies,

tomato, spinach, potatoes, and carrot are the good sources of ascorbic

acid

Vitamin – D:

It is necessary for building up bones preventing rickets and

diseases of teeth. It helps in the calcifications of bones by proper

utilization of calcium and phosphorus. All green vegetables are

particularly rich in this vitamin.

Vitamin – E:

Has an important effect on the generative functions and

promotes fertility. Green lettuces and other green vegetables are good

sources of this vitamin.

Vitamin –K:

Helps in blood clotting and green leafy vegetables are rich

source of the vitamin.

Minerals:

Of the ten elements required by the human body calcium and

iron are supplied mostly by vegetables. Leafy vegetables are rich in

many minerals such as calcium, Iron, potassium and phosphorus.

Calcium is essential for strengthening the bones, regulation of

heart beat and in controlling blood clots. As the leafy vegetables like

amaranthus, fenugreek and spinach are rich in calcium. Iron is largely

present in spinach, bittergourd, carrot and onion. Iodine in present in

lady’s finger (okra), summer squash and asparagus.

Calcium, magnesium and potassium are most important base

elements for neutralizing the acid produced in the body and these are

obtained from the vegetables consumed.

Carbohydrates:

Vegetables such as potato, sweet potato, root crops like

colocasia, tapioca, Elephant’s foot, yam are valuable sources of

carbohydrates. Which are energy giving foods.

Proteins:

Peas and beans are the rich source of proteins that are utilized in

the building up of new tissues and body growth.

Roughage:

Most vegetables particularly leafy vegetables such as

amaranthus, cabbage, spinach, lettuce, characterized by high water

content chlorophyll and high percentage of cellulose or fibre are the

sources of roughage which aids in digestion of more concentrated food

and also assists in pushing the food through digestive canal, thus

preventing constipation. It has been estimated that for maintaining

normal health each adult should consume daily 100 gm of roots and

tubers, 100 grams of leafy vegetables and 120 grams of other

vegetables i.e. the fruit vegetables.

Economic Importance of Vegetables:

1. Vegetables are the cheapest source of protective foods

contributing carbohydrates, vitamins and mineral salts in the

human diet. They yield roughly 3 to 4 times the nutrients

obtained from cereal crops in a much shorter duration. When

vegetables are adequately consumed, the pressure and demand

on cereals can be reduced. Increased intake of vegetables

reduce appreciable quantity of cereals consumed by individuals.

2. Per hectare yield of vegetables is very high. Most of the

vegetables if properly grown can give a yield which is five to ten

times higher than any cereal crop.

3. Vegetables are important source of farm income as they are sold

at higher rates than that of cereals and grains. Even when they

are sold at a cheaper rate in the peak production season, due to

their high yield, they compensate losses and will have higher

monetary returns. Market garden of vegetables, provide

substantial incomes due to intensive cultivation and production.

4. Vegetables compared to other crops can be raised through out

the your. Many of the vegetables like Spinach, Potato, Brinjal,

Bhendi, Tomato etc. can be grown twice and even thrice in a

year. Some green vegetables are ready for harvest within 45-60

days. Thus several vegetable crops can be grown one after the

other, throughout the year, if irrigation facilities are available.

 Now a days many early varieties of vegetables are available

which can grow earlier and yield good returns to the growers.

Their cultivation as such occupies an important place in the

agricultural development and economy of the country.

5. As the demand increases especially in cities, the cost of

vegetables become very high. As such there is urgent use to

utilise every bit of space available, for vegetable cultivation. A

kitchen garden for a house hold, a school garden for a school or

a college’s not only produce the valuable vegetables, but also

lend an esthetic appearance and beautify the drab surroundings.

Area and production of vegetables:

According to the information available (1978-79) the area under

vegetables in India is 27.31 lakhs hectares (i.e. 4.27 per cent of the

total cropped area in the country) and the total annual production is

about 16 million tonnes. The states which account for maximum area

under vegetables are Kerala (4,10,000 ha). Andhra Pradesh (3,89,000

ha), Tamil Nadu, (3,3, 000), and Bihar (3,42,000 ha). In Andhra Pradesh

Vegetable crops occupy about 1.91 per cent of the total cropped area

of the states. Kurnool, Ranga Reddy, Chittoor and Guntur districts have

large areaunder vegetables.

 The present area under vegetables is inadequate in most of the

requirements. The yield per hectare is also very low as compared to

that of the developed countries. Recently more attention is being paid

to increase the production of mark vegetables. This is being

implemented through crash, emergency and applied nutritional

programmers.

TYPES OF VEGETABLE GARDENS

Vegetable gardens can be broadly classified into 6/7 different

types according to the purpose for which they are grown. They are:

1. Home or Kitchen garden:

The main purpose of a kitchen garden is to provide the family,

daily with fresh vegetables rich in nutrients and energy. There will be

continuous supply of vegetables through out the year and for each

season. The vegetables are grown according to the taste of the family

members. The size of the garden depends o the size of the family and

on the availability of land. Its cultivation is intensive.

Advantages of a kitchen garden are:

1. It is a best means of recreation and exercise to family members

2. An excellent hobby and healthy occupation for the young and old

during their leisure time.

 3. Cuts down the expenditure on purchase of vegetables.

4. An ideal medium for training children in duty and order.

5. Vegetables grown in one’s home with one’s own labour have

special appeal to his or her palate and the dividends paid by

those in the form of pleasure and satisfaction and priceless.

6. Vegetables grown in kitchen garden are fresh and are free from

market infection.

Points to be considered for raising crops in a kitchen garden:

1. The perennial plants should be located on north side of the

garden so that they may not shade other crops and compete

for nutrients with annual crops. Once the perennial crops are

established, they will supply vegetables regularly without any

additional cost and also with less care.

2. Around the boarder, on the fence, reapers can be raised

i.e. lab lab, cucurbits etc.

3. The land should not be left vacant. A continuous pattern in

the from of successive or companion cropping is to be

followed

4. Root crops can be raised on ridges.

 5. One side of foot path a single staked tomato and on the

other side leafy vegetables may be planted.

6. A proper rotation of crops is to be followed i.e. deep rooted

followed by shallow rooted crops, a leguminous crop followed

a non-legume etc.

7. The compost pits are located in two corners of the garden.

The kitchen waste and pulled out plants etc. may be dumped

into them. A pendal may be erected over the pits and a

cropper may be grown on it to cover the ugly spot.

Cropping pattern:

It is always better to make a plan before planting. The location of

plots, crops to be grown, season of sowing varieties of crops to be used

and succession of planting should be clearly indicated in the plan. The

ultimate aim is to produce crops which ensure continuous supply of

fresh vegetables and to avoid glut of any one crop or season.

Name of the crop: Growing period:

Plot-I Brinjal (Round) May – oct.

Cauliflower Nov- Feb

Coriander March – April

Plot-II Brinjal (long) Aug- Dec.

 With Palak as intercrop

Lady’s finger Jan- April

cluster bean May- July

Plot-III Chillies (Green with Sept – March

Radish intercrop

Lady’s finger April – August

Plot- IV Potato Oct. – Jan.

Cowpea Feb- May

Menthi June – August

Plot- V Ladys’s finger June-September

Cabbage Oct – January

Tomato Feb - May

Plot – VI Tomato May – August

Califlowr (early) Sept – December

Onion Jan – May

Plot – VII Onion June- Nov.

Tomato Dec – May

On Ridges : Colocasia – beet root

Radish – Carrot

Elephant foot yam- knol – khol

Crops along the fence:

 Rainy season – bottle gourd, pumpkin, lab, bitter gourd

summer season: Ridge gourd, bottle gourd, crops on the pandal:

snake gourd, Coccinia

2. Market garden:

Generally these gardens are larger in size which produce

vegetables for commercial purpose to cater to the local market. Most

of the market garden are located within a radious of 15 to 20 km of

town or city. The cropping Pattern of those gardens will depend on the

demand of the local market. The cost of land is high and intensive

methods of cultivation are adopted. A market Gardner has to grow

varieties to catch the early market so that he gets better price. He can

utilize organic manures like municipal compost which are available at a

cheaper rate. The market gardener himself has to transport to the

market and sell it in the whole sale market.

3. Truck garden :

This is the type of garden which produces special crops in which

relatively large quantities for distant market. More extensive area is

taken for gardening and the method of cultivation is less intensive as

compared to market garden. The location of this type of garden is

determined by the soil and climate factors suitable for raising a

particular type of crops. Very few crops ie. one or two crops only are
grown . eg. In summer season, tomato is grown in madanapally area of

chittoor district and they are marketed in Bangalore, Tirupati, Vellore

etc. cabbage, cauliflower, potato raised in summer at Nilagiri hills are

sold in Madras, Bangalore etc.

The produce are generally sold through the middlemen. The cost

of land and labour are comparatively cheaper, hence the cost of

production is less and usually the net returns are less as larger

amounts are incurred on transport and commission to middlemen.

4. Vegetable garden for processing :

This is the type of garden which comes up around vegetable

processing factories. These gardens are responsible for regular supply

of vegetables to the factories. Due to lack of processing industry, this

type of gardens are not well developed in India. Few existing factories

purchase from local market and the products produced from them are

not up to the standard.

These gardens specialize in growing only few vegetables in bulk

which are suitable for processing like canning, dehydration, paste

making of freezing. The prices are paid on contract basis on weight

and quality of the product.

5. Vegetable forcing:
 This type of garden is concerned with the production of

vegetables out of their normal season. Vegetables like tomato,

cucumber etc. cannot be grown in winter in temperature regions.

Therefore, these vegetables are grown in foreign countries. Asparagus,

mushrooms etc. are also grown in glass houses or other special

structures. Special varieties are developed for this purpose and the

cost of produce is very high. In India this types of gardening has not

been developed since we have varied climate regions where it is

possible to grow in the open all types of vegetables in one region or

other. The cost of production of vegetables in special structures will be

high.

In Punjab early sowing of summer cucurbits is one method of

vegetable forcing. The seedlings are raised in polythene bags under

cover and transplanted in January and the transplanted are protected

with dry leaves against frost. Thus they get crop earlier and higher

price in the market.

6. Vegetables for seed production:

Good seed is essential for successful growing of any crop. Seed

production is rather a specialized operation. Soil climate and disease

free conditions are factors influencing the location of seed producing

areas. A knowledge of the crop, its growth habit and mode of

pollination are essential. A proper isolation distance have to be

maintained for each crop. The grower should also know the method of

roguing, threshing, cleaning, grading, packing and storing. Generally

the growth, flowering and fruit development should be during rainy or

humid season and harvesting in dry period.

There are different kinds of seed production:

1. Nucleus or breeder seed :

It is the initial seed which is produced by the organization which

releases a variety. Seed is 100% pure.

2. Foundation seed:

It is seed multiplied from the nucleus seed in the Government

farms or NSC farms. The 3rd and 4th stages of multiplication are

registered and certified seed respectively which are multiplied by

growers.

7. Floating gardens:

This is a special type of garden which is seen on the dal lake of

the Kashmir valley. The water in the lake is stagnant. A floating base is

made from the roots of Typha grass which grows wild in the lake.

Seedlings are transplanted in summer on leaf compost made from

weeds in the lake. All operations are done i.e. weeding, sprinkling of

water and harvesting using boats.

CLASSIFICATION OF VEGETABLE CROPS

There are more than 240 types of plants which are used as

vegetables in the world. To study the cultural requirement of each

vegetable in detail, it is rather very difficult. Therefore it is essential to

group or classify the vegetables to show the relationship between the

vegetables and to avoid repetition while describing their cultural

operations. It also helps in proper understanding of the principle and

practices in the cultivation of these crops.

There are five different classifications:

1. Botanical classification

2. Classification based on hardiness

3. Classification based on parts used

4. Classification based on essential methods of culture

5. Classification based on season of sowing

1. Botanical classification:

This classification is based on the botanical relationship which

exists among the different vegetables.

According to Bailey, plants are divided into four sub

communities.
 • Thallophyta

• Bryophyta (Mossess)

• Pteridophyta (Ferns)

• Spermatophyta (seed plants)

The sub-community spermatophyta is further divided into two divisions

(1) Gymnospermae and (2) Angiospermae. All vegetables belong to

angiospermae.

The Angiospermae has two classes Mono and Dicotyledoneaee.

They are further dived into families, genus, species, subspecies and

botanical varieties. The grouping of vegetables therefore is as follows:

A. Monocotyledoneae:

1. Family - Lilliaceae

Onion - Allium Cepa

Garlic - A. sativum

Leek - A. Porrum

2. Family - Liliaccae

Asparagus - Asparagus officinalis

3. Family - Araceae

Arvi - Colocasia esculenta

4. Family - Dioscoreaceae

Yam - Dioscorea alata

B. Dicotyledonous:

1. Family - Chenopodiaceae

Beetroot & palak - Beta vulgaris

Spinach - spinacia oleracea

2. Family - Asteraceae

Lettuce - Lactuca sativa

Chicory - Chicorium intybus

3. Family - Convolvulaceae

Sweet potato - Ipomeae batatas

4. Family - Euphorbiaceae

Tapioca - Manihot esculenta

5. Family - Cruciferae

Cabbage - Brassica oleraceae var. capitata

Cauliflower - B. oleraceae var. Botrytis

Knol Khol - B. Caulorapa

Turnip - B. Campestris var. rapa

Chinese cabbage - B. Chinensis

Radish - Raphanus sativus

6. Family - Cucurbitaceae

Pumpkin - cucurbita moschata

Summer squash - C. pepo

Musk Melon - Cucumis melo

Cucumber - C. sativus

Water melon - Citrullus lanatus

 Ridge gourd - Luffa acutangula

Sponge gourd - L. cylindrion

Bottle gourd - Lagenaria siceraria

Bitter gourd - Momordica charantia

Snake gourd - Trichosanthus anguina

7. Family - Malvaceae

Lady’s finger - Abelmoschus esculentus

8. Family - Solanaceae

Potato - Solanum tuberosum

Brinjal - S. melongena

Tomato - Lycopersicon esculentum

Chilli - Capsicum annum

9. Family - Umbelliferae

Carrot - Daucus oarota

Celery - Apium graveolens

Cluster bean - Cyamopsis tetragonaloba

10. Family - Leguminosae

Peas - Pisum sativum

French beans - Phaseolus vularis

Lima bean - P. Lunatus

Broad bean - Vicai faba

Cowpea - Vigna sinensis

The above are only a few common examples of the vegetables

better known in Andhra Pradesh and India.

 This method of classification is to study the relationship that

exists between groups of vegetables in a family. The cultural operation

of vegetables belonging to a family are not always similar eg. Cultural

operations of potato differs from tomato, radish from cauliflower.

Therefore this method is not useful from the point of cultural

requirements.

II. classification based on hardiness:

According to the temp. requirements, all vegetables are grouped

into two viz., winter and summer. Winter or cool season vegetables are

those, whose edible parts are roots, stems, leaves and buds

(vegetative parts). Except sweet potato and New Zealand spinach,

warm season crops are those in which edible part is the immature

fruits except in pea and broad bean. This classification is useful to

decide the season of cultivation. The cultural requirements of all

winter and all summer season vegetables are not the same. Hence it

doesnot help much in cultivation.

On the basis of soil reaction, they can also be grouped into three

groups.

Group-I:

Slightly tolerant to acid soils: pII 6.8 to 6.0 Asparagus, beet,

cabbage, cauliflower, onion, palak, muskmelon.

Group-II:

Moderately tolerant to acid soil; pH 6.8 to 5.5 Beans, carrot,

cucumber, brinjal, pea, pumpkin, tomato, radish.

Group-III:

Very tolerant to acid soil : pH 6.0 to 5.0 Potato, sweet potato,

water melon.

This method of classification gives information about a particular

aspect of soil reaction but does not fulfill the objectives of

classification.

III. Classification based on the parts used:

According to parts used for consumption:

1. Leaf Vegetables - Cabbage, Spinach palak,

fenugreek, amaranthus

2. Fruits - Tomato, brinjal, peas, bhendi,

beans, cucurbits

3. Flower parts - Broccoli

4. Underground parts :

a. Stem tubers - potato, colocasia

b. Root tubers - Carrot, Sweet potato, Tapioca

 c. Bulbs - Onion, Garlic

The cultural requirements of crops in each group are not the

same i.e., tomato, bhendi and cucurbits. Hence, this method is also not

of much value.

IV. Classification based on the method of cultivation:

This is a very convenient method. In this method, all the crops that

have similar cultural requirements are grouped together. Therefore it is

possible to recommend general cultural practices for the vegetables,

which are grouped together. Some groups like cucurbits, Cole crops,

bulb crops not only have similar cultural requirements for the group

but the crops in each groups belong to same family. In groups like

greens, salad crops, bulb crops, the parts eaten in each group are also

same.

Therefore this system of classification has been found to be more

satisfactory in understanding the principles of vegetable growing than

any other methods.

According to this method, the vegetables are grouped into 13 groups.

Group-1 perennial crops Eg. Asparagus

Group-2 Greens - Spinach, Kale, mustard

Group-3 Salad crops – Celery, lettuce

Group-4 Cole crops – Cabbage, cauliflower

Group-5 Root crops – Beet, Carrot, radish

Group-6 Bulb crops – onion, leek, garlic

Group-7 Potato

Group-8 Sweet potato

Group-9 Peas and Beans – pea, cowpea, broad bean

Group-10 Solanaceous fruits, tomato, brinjal, chilli

Group-11 Sweet corn, okra

Group-12 Cucurbits- Bottle gourd, ridge gourd, pumpkin

Group-13 Yam, tapioca.

V. Classification based on season of growing:

Kharif season : June- Sept. - Cucurbits, brinjal lady’s finger, chill

Rabi season : Oct – Jan. - Cabbage, cauliflower, beet, peas,

potato, tomato

Summer season: Feb – May. - Brinjal, chillies, cucumis,

bottle gourd, cluster beans.

RAISING OF VEGETABLE NURSERIES

Seed bed preparation, seed sowing, seedling production and

hardening:

Vegetable crops like tomato, brinjal, chilies, cabbage, cauliflower,

knoll-khol, lettuce, Brussels sprouts and onion are required to be sown

first in nurseries, where the seedlings are raised and then

transplanted. Proper nursery management for raising seedlings and

transplanting them are important operations in vegetable production.

A nursery has the following advantages.

1. It is very convenient to look after the tender seedlings by

providing required water and drainage to the seedlings.

2. Timely and careful plant protection measures are possible.

3. Most favourable growth medium is provided

4. Seedlings are in a protected place and usually timed for early

crop.

5. There is economy of land and seed and more time is available

for field preparation.

Preparation of seed beds:

The size of the nursery plot to raise seedlings for planting a

hectare of tomato, brinjal and chilli would be 10 x 1.2 m, 16 x 1.2 and

10 x 1.2 m respectively. In case of Cole crops like cabbage, cauliflower

and knol-khol a plot of 50 x 1.2 m would be sufficient. These plots

could be better made into smaller beds of 3 x 1.2 m instead of a single

bed. The width of the bed does not exceed 1.2 m so that it facilitates

weeding and watering without trampling the bed. The site for nursery

beds should be located close to the source of water supply.

The soil should be ploughed thoroughly to get fine tilth which is

an excellent medium for better germination and seedling growth,

1. One cart load of well rotten powdered farm yard manure of

sieved compost should be spread and

2. 1 kg of super phosphate applied and mixed toughly with the soil.

Application of super phosphate is an essential practice since

seedlings require more phosphorus for root development at

initial stages of their growth.

3. Aldrin or dioldrin wettable powder at 30gms per bed should be

applied to keep away the white ants.

4. The soil should be leveled and made into raised beds of 3 m x

1.2 m with irrigation channels between the beds. Irrigation

channels help the water to drain away during rains. The bed

usually kept raised about 15cm high so as to provide proper

drainage of excess water.

5. The level of the bed surface is also slightly raised in the centre

with a little slope on either sides.

6. A week before sowing, the soil should be sterilized by drenching

with commercial formalin (formal dehyde 40 per cent) at 1 : 100

dilution at the rate of 5 litres per sq. meter, against damping off

disease.

Sowing:

The common practice is to broadcast seeds in the nursery bed,

but line sowing is preferred so as to check proper germination, uniform

spacing and to facilitate weeding hoeing and plant protection

operation. The rows are usually kept about 8-10 cm apart. The seeds

are treated against ‘damping of disease and then sown in furrows.

Small seed should be sown mixed with a little sand and covered with

soil by passing a flat wooden plank followed by light irrigation with a

sprinkler.

After Core:

i. Watering of the bed is done gently to avoid packing or

washing away of the soil covering the seed.

ii. In the beginning shade is provided by covering the bed with a

thin layer of leaves or by erecting a thatched cover over the

 bed. Partial shading against hot sun will save the moisture

and help quick growth of seedlings.

iii. When the seedlings are more than 2.5 cm tall, the shade

should be removed as too much of shade and water make

larky, yellow, succulent and susceptible to insect pests and

diseases like damping off especially in humid and warm

weather. Diseased plant if any should be removed and spray

Bordeaux mixture (5-5-60) or

iv. Blitex 0.2 per cent should be sprayed or the nursery

drenched with captan at 2 gm per litre to control the spread

of this diseases. Racking the soil every week along with light

irrigations will promote rapid growth of the seedlings. If the

growth of seedlings is slow the bed may be irrigated with a

week solution of ammonium sulpahte (30 gm in is liters of

water ) or 2% solution of calcium ammonium nitrate.

v. A week + 15 days before transplanting the number of

watering are reduced and the seedlings exposed to full

sunshine so that they become hardy to bear the shock of

transplanting.

Hardening of plants :
 The term hardening is any treatment that results in a hardening

of the tissues of the plants thus enabling them better to withstand

unfavorable environmental conditions such as less intake of water, hot

dry winds and low temperature.

A hardened plant tends to be hard and stiff rather than

succulent. The foliage is dark green and exhibit purple pigmentation in

the stem as in tomato or waxy purple as in the case of cabbage. These

external changes are accompanied by certain changes in chemical

composition. Carbohydrates such as starches, sugars and pestosans

tend to accumulate. The purple pigmentation in the leaves is an

indication of high sugar content. Hardening is also accompanied by:

i. Increase in percentage of hygrophilous colloids and dry matter

and.

ii. Decrease in percentage of freezable water and transpiration per

unit area of leaf.

Methods of hardening:

1. By watering the plants sparingly till they are not withered and

exposing to full sunlight.

2. Lowering of temperature also retards growth which adds to the

hardening process.
 Both these methods decreases the rate of growth and early

yields, but with possible increase in seasonal yields. Hardening

treatment is advisable for some warm season crops like tomato,

pepper and egg plant also.

3. Repeated transplanting is also another method of hardening

seedlings. It is practiced in cauliflower where seedlings are

transplanted twice giving wide spacing for proper growth and

development. This practice markedly improved the growth and yield of

curds in cauliflower. However double transplanting may damage

seedlings and result in delayed maturity, besides increasing the cost of

production. Therefore this method is not commonly practiced.

Transplanting:

Transplanting is done when the seedlings are above 4-5 weeks

old and 10 to 15 cm high with 3 to 4 true leaves.

1. It should always be done in the evening so that plants may

establish themselves in the cool weather at night and may

recover from the shock of transplanting before the sunrise.

2. The bed must be watered a day before uprooting the

seedlings for transplanting so that they may not suffer from

desiccation. The seedlings should be lifted from the bed without

damage to the roots and transplanted soon at one seedling per

hill pressing down the soil near the roots.

3. During transplanting care should be taken to protect the

seedlings against wilting by sprinkling water or by covering the

root zone with moist soil.

4. Regular watering is necessary after transplanting.

Seedlings that are not doing well may be removed and replaced

by new ones.

5. Any attack of disease or insect pests must be controlled

immediately.