VEGETABLE GABDENING 25 



QUICK GERMINATION 



The best success in growing plants from seeds 

 depends in a large measure upon quick and per- 

 fect germination, or " sprouting. " 



Seeds of plants are, primarily, germs, intended 

 to produce young plants of the same genus. Be- 

 sides the germ, the seed also consists of a packet 

 of Baby Plant Food, containing exactly the ele- 

 ments necessary to furnish the nourishment 

 needed to support the tiny plant until such time 

 as will enable it to develop roots and leaves, so 

 that it may be able to absorb and assimilate from 

 the soil its own food, through natural means pro- 

 vided for this purpose. If germination is de- 

 layed or much retarded by unfavorable condi- 

 tions, there is danger that this supply of food, 

 contained in the seed, will be spoiled by fermen- 

 tation or decay, and the helpless little plant will 

 be starved. Even if the plant survives, it re- 

 mains a stunted weakling that rarely ever recov- 

 ers its normal vigor and vitality. 



Who has not seen a corn field in exactly this 

 condition, when germination has occupied two or 

 three weeks? Nine times out of ten this spells 

 crop failure. Try to secure quick germination: 

 the quicker the better. The necessary conditions 

 are fertility, warmth, moisture and aeration of 

 the roots. In all these respects the Sandwich 

 Beds supply ideal conditions. 



Early in the season there is often a lack of sun- 

 shine and warmth, and, therefore, there is more 

 or less trouble with seeds rotting. Nearly all of 

 this can be easily avoided by sprouting the seeds 



