STARTING PLANTS 



135 



cessive sowings at short intervals, is not likely to be dis* 

 appointed in the seed not germinating. This matter, 

 however, should not be overlooked. Germination tests, 

 made in advance of the usual dates for sowing, may be 

 the means of avoiding loss and disappointment. Very 

 little time is required to make such tests, and the results 

 may much more than compensate for the slight expense. 



The term "high quality" as applied to seeds has a much 

 broader meaning than the mere matter of germination. 

 It relates primarily to the quality of the crop produced 

 from tne seed selected and planted. Unfortunately, many 

 greenhouse men do not seem to fully appreciate the value 

 of high-grade seeds. They fail to grasp the fact that 

 planting the best seed may materially increase their 

 profits. Chances are taken, year after year, in using seed 

 of unknown quality, until they discover, accidentally, 

 perhaps, that the superior quality of the produce sold by 

 their competitors is largely due to the planting of better 

 seed. 



We should bear in mind that greenhouse space is 

 precious, that the area with its glass roof and artificial 

 heat is worth many times an area of equal size in the 

 open. It is folly ever to use seed that we do not know 

 will produce satisfactory crops. 



Fig. 42. Nursery in large range near Boston. Head lettuce plants. 



