6o Market Gardcnmg. 



the crop cannot get a good start, no matter how well 

 the land has been prepared or how good the seed is. 



It is far better, when possible, to put seed into fresh- 

 ly prepared soil, as it is sure to get a better start than 

 on land which has been turned over long enough to 

 have become crusty and lumpy on the surface. Again, 

 it is preferable, when possible, to sow seed immediately 

 r.fter a rain rather than just before it comes ; since, in 

 the case of the finer seeds, more especially, the crust 

 which begins to form on all garden soils immediately 

 after a lain will partly shut out the air and will tend 

 to prevent free germination. Where one encounters 

 the misfortune of a heavy fall of rain occurrhig just 

 after the planting of a field or bed, it will be well to 

 go over the ground wath rakes, and break the crust; 

 and such treatment may make a difference of fifty per 

 cent, in the stand obtained. 



With seed having a thick husk, like squash, cucum- 

 ber, or melon, it is obviously of peculiar importance 

 that the soil be in just the right condition — in order 

 to be sure that sufficient moisture and air may reach 

 the seed — much more than wiih thin-husked kinds 

 that germinate quickly, like cabbage, turnip, and rad- 

 ish ; but, still, even these finer seeds need the most 

 vigilant attention and the utmost care that can be 

 given in sowing them, to secure the best results. 



In sowing the seed of beets, squashes, and parsnips, 

 and also peas, beans, and all similar seeds, it is neces- 

 sary also to plant deeper thtm the finer seeds, from 

 the fact that the husk is thicker, a!:d it requires more 



