264 THE BEGINNER'S GARDEN BOOK 



Next, consider how deep each kind of seed is to go. While 

 indoors and in the frames we planted pretty shallow ; out of 

 doors the seeds go deeper. At least an eighth of an inch is 

 the shallowest that I recommend for out of doors, except 

 in the case of the wettest of soil (in such soil always plant 

 shallower) or of very delicate seeds, of which my planting 

 table will warn you. The larger seeds are always planted 

 deeper than the little ones, so that by the time you get to 

 the lima beans, they may go nearly two inches deep. But 

 again, in very wet soil the depth should be less, say an inch. 

 Besides these depths of coverings, I always scatter over the 

 seeds a little loose earth, to dry into a dust-mulch and pre- 

 vent the soil from drying or caking. 



Let us now consider the different ways of planting seeds. 

 The commonest method is in rows or drills, in the vege- 

 table garden or the flower border. For this a line must be 

 carefully stretched (tightly, so that it shall not sag or sway) 

 and below it the earth must be dug, with the corner of the 

 hoe, to the proper depth. As I always find it difficult to dig 

 just beneath a string, I usually set the line a couple of inches 

 to one side, and make my furrow parallel with it. This 

 must be done with much care, especially for small seeds, 

 since the depth should everywhere be the same. 



Into the furrow the seed should be dropped. To do this 

 properly is delicate work, since the distances should be 

 regular. Sift the seed out of the corner of the envelope; 

 or, holding the seed in your palm, shake it out sidewise. If 

 the wind is blowing, you must hold your hand low, or the 

 seed will be lost. With valuable seed, such as cauliflower 

 or petunia, it is well to set each one just where it is wanted. 

 But the number of seed that is sowed out of doors should be 

 more than if sowed in the house. There will be greater 

 loss, from drought or frost or cutworms, and we must have 



