50 FRENCH MARKET-GARDENING 



Seeds vary much in size, shape, and colour, but 

 most of those we are dealing with may be described 

 as " small " the only large ones of any note being 

 those of the Dwarf or French, and Haricot Beans. 



No matter how small a seed may be, it contains 

 all the rudiments of the future plant tightly packed 

 away within its protecting coats. So long as the seed 

 is alive and has been properly ripened, it possesses 

 all the powers of germination or sprouting. It is a 

 matter of common knowledge, however, that certain 

 conditions are essential to induce seeds of any kind 

 to germinate. These are : (i) a certain degree of 

 warmth, according to the natural requirements of the 

 species ; (2) moisture ; and (3) fresh air. When these 

 conditions exist in conjunction with a properly 

 prepared compost, we have everything essential for 

 the good germination of seeds. 



Even with these conditions there is a danger that 

 young plants may never appear if the seeds are sown 

 improperly. This danger arises only when the seeds 

 are buried too deeply in the soil. One must, therefore, 

 be careful that the smaller the seeds are the less deeply 

 should they be sown ; in other words, they must not 

 be covered with too much soil. A good general rule 

 amongst gardeners when sowing seeds in warmth is 

 to cover them with a layer of soil equal to twice their 

 own diameter. Some tiny seeds, therefore, are prac- 

 tically not covered at all, as they sink sufficiently deep 

 into the miniature holes in the surface of the prepared 

 compost after a gentle watering has been given. 

 Seeds sown in the open air in early spring, or in autumn, 

 however, may be covered rather more heavily as a 

 protection against cold nights or frosts. 



