72 



THE PREPARATION OF SOIL FOR PLANTING 



good workable condition, and kept free from weeds and crust 



formation by hoeing and raking the surface at frequent intervals. 



Whether prepared by horse or hand tools, the soil should be 



fine to a considerable depth and preferably moist clear to the 



Fig. 40. — Spike tooth harrow. 



surface at the time the seeds are planted. Thorough preparation 

 of the soil before planting is a very important factor in the pro- 

 duction of any crop. 



Fig. 41. — Flanker. 



In preparing soil for planting seeds in greenhouse flats, 

 pots, or boxes, it is advisable to sift the soil through a screen to 

 make it uniformly fine throughout. Unless the soil already con- 

 tains a high percentage of sand, it is customary to add considerable 

 sand in preparing it for seed boxes. This makes the soil less likely 



