SCHOOL GARDEN WORK 375 



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SCHOOL GARDEN WORK 



(Each student should be assigned a definite space in the 

 hotbed for starting early plants. It will prove more convenient 

 if the seeds are sown into flats rather than directly into the 

 hotbed soil. Cabbage, tomatoes, cauliflower, celery, lettuce, 

 and such other crops as are desirable for transplanting to the 

 garden should be seeded at such times as to be of good size 

 at the proper period for transplanting out of doors. 



Each student should be supplied with a separate flat. A 

 flat 12 inches wide, 20 inches long, and 3 inches deep is con- 

 venient.) 



Take one part of good garden soil, two parts of sand, and 

 mix thoroughly. Sift the mixed soil through a sieve of about 

 a quarter-inch mesh and spread the lumps over the bottom of 

 the flat for drainage. Fill with loose, fine soil even with the 

 top of the flat and press down firmly and evenly with a block. 

 Beginning about three fourths of an inch from the right-hand 

 end of the flat, make a shallow drill about a quarter of an inch 

 deep with a small straight stick that is about half an inch thick. 

 Distribute the seeds evenly in the drill so that they are about 

 a quarter of an inch apart. On a small garden label, write 

 your name or number on one side and the name and variety 

 of vegetable, together with the date, on the other side. Place 

 this label at the head of the row in the flat. 



About one and a half inches from the first row, the second 

 drill may be made and likewise the remainder of the flat may 

 be filled. Label each row, if sown with a different kind of 

 vegetable. 



Cover the seed by sifting a little fine soil evenly over the flat 

 and afterwards pressing it firmly with the block. Water gently 

 to prevent washing and set the flat in the hotbeds in such a 

 manner as to be perfectly level; otherwise, future waterings 

 will wash the seeds to the lower side. 



