STARTING PLANTS FROM SEEDS 27 
If the seed flats or pans are prepared by the newer 
method suggested above, they will probably not 
need any further watering, or not more than one, 
until the seeds are up. The necessity of further 
watering, in any case, will be shown by the soil’s 
drying out on the surface. In the case of small 
seeds, such as most flower seeds are, the moisture 
in the soil will be retained much longer by keeping 
the box covered with a pane of glass, slightly raised 
at one side. If the box is to be kept in bright sun- 
light, shade the glass with a piece of paper, until 
the seedlings are up, which will be in a day or so 
with some sorts, and weeks with others. 
From the time the little plants come up, until they 
are ready to prick off in other flats or into pots, the 
boxes should never be allowed to dry out. If 
they are being grown in winter or early spring, 
while the days are still short and the sun low, 
they will require very little water, and it should be 
applied only on bright mornings. In autumn and 
late spring, especially the latter, they will require 
more, and if the boxes dry out quickly, you should 
apply it toward evening. In either case, do not 
water until the soil is beginning to dry on the sur- 
face, and then water thoroughly, or until the soil 
will not readily absorb more. If you will take the 
pains, and have the facilities for doing it, by far 
the best way to keep the seed boxes supplied with 
moisture is to place them, when dry, in an inch or 
