116 RADISH. 
These are fairly large, and as a rule they possess strong 
powers of germination. The starting of the plants is, 
therefore, an easy matter; the seeds may be sown in 
drills from one-fourth to one-half an inch deep, the 
greater depth being preferred for light, sandy soils. They 
are generally sown thickly, and the seedlings are after- 
wards thinned to the desired distance ; but if the seeds are 
fresh they may be planted at intervals of about one-fourth 
inch in the drills. This should insure a good stand. A 
convenient method of making the drills in hotbeds and 
benches is to fasten to one side of a lath a strip that is 
about a quarter of an inch thick and as wide as the drill 
is to be deep. This is nailed edgewise along the center 
of the lath (Fig. 38), and 
the drills are made by press- 
ing the projecting piece into 
the soil until the lath will 
allow it to go no further. 
38 Planting stick. It is then carefully with- 
drawn, and if the soil is 
properly prepared and not too dry, a perfect groove 
will be formed. A very uniform depth can be attained 
in this manner. 
Soil.— The soil for radishes should be what is known 
as warm and quick. Sand should predominate, but 
plenty of humus and well rotted-stable manure must be 
mixed with it. By composting thinly-cut sod growing 
upon sandy loam with one-third its volume of stable ma- 
nure, a good radish soil will be formed. It will be ready 
for use in about a year, and if at the end of that time 
the vegetable fiber is not thoroughly decayed, it will not 
matter. Such a compost is suitable for nearly all vege- 
tables grown in greenhouses, but it is especially valuable 
for rapid-growing crops. When placed upon a layer of 
ashes, coarse gravel, inverted sods, or some similar open 
material, the drainage is perfect, and the plants have an 
excellent opportunity for rapid growth. 
