286 SEEDING AND PLANTING 



Any method for protecting the seedbeds during germination 

 that will keep the surface soil adequately and uniformly moist is 

 acceptable. The following methods are practiced. 



a. Covering with brush or mulch. 



6. Covering with scrim, cheese-cloth, or burlap. 



c. Covering with lath screens or seedbed boxes. 



23. COVERING WITH BRUSH OR MULCH. Brush strewn over 

 the bed immediately after seeding is the simplest method of pro- 



FIG. 65. Seedbeds covered with a mulch of leaves held in place 

 with lath screens. 



tecting it from wind and sun. Coniferous branches from 3 to 6 

 feet long are the best for this purpose, care being taken to dis- 

 tribute them uniformly over the bed. Heath brush, when avail- 

 able, forms an effective and inexpensive cover for coniferous 

 seedbeds prior to germination. The brush should be taken off 

 as the seed begins to germinate. 



Another simple method for protecting the seedbed prior to ger- 

 mination is by mulching with leaves, moss, hay, or straw. Leaves 

 of oak, maple, and other hardwood species are the best for this 

 purpose. Hay and straw should not be used when other material 



