30 PRACTICAL PLANT PROPAGATION 



than one kind of seed, are hardly ever as serviceable because of the 

 uneven germination. The flats should also contain a layer of 

 some sort of roughage for good drainage. 



The soil must be perfectly level and slightly compacted. Make 

 the rows from one inch to two inches apart, according to the seed, 

 and sow the seeds usually from one-quarter inch to an inch apart, 

 according to the variety. Seeds which are sown too thickly are sure 

 to give spindling plants which are difficult to transplant. Sow 

 only seeds requiring like conditions for germination in the same 

 flats. For example: Sweet Alyssum sown in the same flat with 

 Cockscomb is unsuccessful; the Alyssum will be ready for trans- 

 planting before the Cockscomb is above the soil. 



Fig. 5. Seeds'sown in flats (See page 29) 

 LIGHT AND SEEDS 



Most seeds do not prefer light while germinating. In fact, 

 Larkspur, Adonis and Poppies are somewhat deterred in germina- 

 tion by bright conditions. It is usually customary, therefore, to 

 afford some shade to seed beds or pots. Out of doors such shade 

 is supplied by lath screens; indoors, newspapers placed over the 

 pots and seed boxes will be serviceable. 



SUGGESTIONS FOR SEED SOWING 



Plant in rows. It would seem best to sow most seeds in rows or 

 drills rather than broadcast. (See fig. 5.) By this method they 

 are easily cultivated for the removal of weeds, at the same time 

 transplanting can be more simply done. 



Avoid deep planting. Deep planting is a common blunder and 

 a common cause of failure. The supply of oxygen is cut off from 

 the seeds and if the seedlings are small, they encounter difficulties 

 in trying to push up the heavy clod above. 



