How to Grow Plants from Seeds 



177 



wire screening of J-inch mesh can be used in making the 

 soil sieve), but put the manure through a still coarser one 

 (| -inch mesh) . The sieves can easily be made by nailing 

 screening to wooden frames of convenient size. 

 Thoroughly mix the sifted materials, and if dry, sprinkle 

 with water until moist. 



Such a soil is high in fertility, and it will remain 

 loose for some time under repeated waterings. If sand 

 is lacking, the drainage is likely to be poor ; if there is too 

 much manure, the plants are likely to grow too rapidly and 

 become " soft" and subject to " damping-off " diseases. 



FIG. 102. A gardener's equipment for preparing the soil for flats and 

 pots. The earth is piled upon the bench in readiness for sifting. The soil 

 sieves have meshes of different sizes. 



