196 Gardening 



With experience, one will learn how to handle the 

 various seedlings under the local conditions of weather 

 and the method of treatment used. It is a good plan 

 for the beginner to make a record of the dates of plant- 

 ing seed and transplanting, and of the results obtained 

 in growing seedlings of the different varieties for trans- 

 planting. This will serve as a guide in the following 

 seasons. 



Questions 



Describe the germination of a seed. What are the three main 

 requirements for germination? Why does too much water in 

 the soil hinder germination? Discuss the temperature require- 

 ments of different seeds for germination. Describe the proper 

 method of laying out and planting a row of seed. 



How deep should the seeds of corn, beans, and peas be planted, 

 usually? seeds of beets, cucumbers, squashes, and melons? 

 carrots, radishes, lettuce, and parsnip? Name some conditions 

 that make it advisable to plant seeds deeper or shallower. When 

 is it of special value to firm the soil? Why? When should the 

 soil not be firmed ? Why is it best not to water seeds immediately 

 after planting ? 



Describe the transplanting method of starting crops. With 

 what kinds of crops is this method used? 



What is the best soil for a seed flat? Why should a very 

 rich soil not be used? What kind of soil should be used in the 

 flats to which seedlings are transplanted? How should it be 

 prepared? How should the seeds be planted in a flat? 



How may seedlings of the tomato and cabbage be grown in 

 the home? 



What is a hotbed ? Where should a hotbed be located ? What 

 is a pit hotbed? How is it made? When should the seeds or 

 seedlings be placed in the hotbed ? What is a surface hotbed and 

 how is it made? How should a hotbed be watered? How is it 

 ventilated? What is a cold frame? What are its principal 

 uses? 



