SEEDS 29 



Before using the cloth for a second test it should be boiled to kill 

 molds which will interfere with the results. 



Large seed testers may be purchased, which have space for 

 many kinds of seeds, and in which the temperature and moisture 

 can be perfectly regulated. 



Most reliable seedsmen conduct thorough tests of their seeds; 

 not only germination tests but tests of varieties, growing these in 

 test gardens located in various latitudes. Many firms print a state- 

 ment of the percentage of germination upon each seed package. 



TIME TO SOW SEEDS 



It is highly important that seeds be sown in season so that the 

 plants will mature at the proper date for their use or sale. Under 

 appropriate headings in the tables given later in this chapter, the 

 time to sow the various seeds is discussed. 



SOIL FOR SEED SOWING 



Soil for sowing seed must always be finely pulverized and in the 

 best physical condition. A sandy loam suits most seeds the best. Soils 

 which are too heavy should be lightened by the addition of sand 

 or even sifted coal ashes. It always pays to use the best soil for 

 starting the seedlings; if this is not available, in the case of plants 

 that are to grow permanently, the seed may be sown in a good 

 place and the seedlings transplanted later. 



Seed beds, if in the proper physical condition, need no manure. 

 The young seedlings are not able to take up much food. In fact, 

 much humus or organic matter may be actually detrimental to the 

 seeds, even hastening disease. 



POTS AND FLATS FOR SOWING SEEDS 



When a limited quantity of 

 plants are wanted, flower pots (see 

 fig. 4) may be used for seed sowing. 

 Broken pottery and ashes should fill 

 the pot half full and above this 

 should be placed finely sifted soil. 

 Where it is desired to sow a larger 

 quantity of seeds, wooden flats (see 

 , , fig. 5) will be found more useful. 



Fig. 4. Seedlings in pot covered by _f* ' _ _ , 



pane of glass Do not make them much over twelve 



by eighteen inches, and three to four 



inches deep. Larger flats are cumbersome and when used for more 



