How to Grow Plants from Seeds 197 



What is the advantage of transplanting seedlings at least once ? 

 What is the " dirt-band" method? How does it help in trans- 

 planting ? What is meant by " hardening " seedlings ? Why is 

 it necessary? What points need to be especially watched in 

 transplanting seedlings to the garden ? Why do plants often need 

 protection after transplanting ? When is the best time to reset 

 plants ? Why are some of the leaves often removed when a plant 

 is reset ? 



What are the advantages of an outdoor seed bed ? 



Things to Do and Observe 



1. To observe the germination of seeds. Plant seeds of pea, 

 bean; squash, and corn in flats, boxes, or pots. As soon as ger- 

 mination is noticed, dig up seedlings of each kind and study the 

 various stages of germination. How does the first root get out of 

 the seed coat? How do the stem and leaves get out? What 

 does the root do if it emerges from the upper side of the seed as 

 planted? What becomes of the part or parts containing stored 

 food ? How do the stem and first leaves force their way through 

 the soil to the air above ? Does the position of the seed in the soil 

 increase or retard germination in any way ? 



2. To show the effect of too little water on germination. Fill two 

 flats or pots with garden soil. In each flat or pot plant seeds of 

 corn, squash, radish, cabbage, bean, and tomato. Place both in a 

 warm room or in a hotbed. Keep only one watered. In which 

 do the seeds germinate better ? Why ? 



3. To show the effect of too much water on germination. Select 

 two earthen flowerpots of the same size ; or if these are not avail- 

 able use tin cans, preferably at least 6 inches in diameter. If pots 

 are used, plug the opening in the bottom of one with a cork stop- 

 per; if tin cans are used, leave one intact, but make several 

 holes in the bottom of the other one. Fill with garden soil and 

 plant in each an equal number of seeds of beans or corn. 



Keep both together in a warm room. Add the same amounts 

 of water to each every day, so that one is kept well watered and 

 well drained and the other is kept with free water standing at the 

 top. In which does germination take place better? 



