SEED SOWING 



369 



temperature. Hence, the former crops may be planted 

 early in the spring, while the latter should not be sown 

 until the soil becomes thoroughly warmed and there 

 is less danger of subsequent cold spells. Seed should be 

 sown as soon as possible after the soil is prepared. Bet- 

 ter results are always obtained from sowing seed in freshly 

 stirred soil. 



The depth of sowing depends largely upon the size of 

 the seed, the season, and the character of the soil. Large 

 seeds may be planted deeper than small seeds. With some 

 of the smaller seeds, 

 as celery, it is a 

 common practice 

 simply to scatter the 

 seed on the surface 

 of the soil and press 

 it in. In light soils, 

 the depth of plant- 

 ing may be consider- 

 ably greater than 

 in heavy soils. In 

 early spring, since 

 the soil is usually 

 very moist, seed is 

 planted nearer the 

 surface than in sum- 

 mer and fall seeding. 



With non-cultivated crops, broadcasting is often desir- 

 able. All cultivated crops are sown in drills. Seeds sown 

 in this manner are at a more uniform depth and distance 

 apart, and the plants may be cultivated, thinned, and cared 

 for systematically. When the seed is sown by machines, 



M. AND H. PLANT PROD. 24 



Fig. 192. A seed drill. 



