A SELF-SUPPORTING HOME 



used as nursery beds; so, unless there are 

 cracks between the strips of wood at the bot- 

 tom, bore holes with a bit or a red-hot poker; 

 then fill up to within half an inch of the top 

 with the compost made in November. Let 

 the boxes stand a few days in a warm room, 

 to induce any weed seeds which may be lurking 

 in their depths to germinate; for it is much 

 easier to destroy these pests before the boxes 

 are planted than after. 



Have the mould thoroughly pulverized before 

 sowing, and prepare an extra quantity to use 

 for covering the seeds. This I do by halfr 

 filling a rather fine colander and shaking it 

 over the box until there is an even layer over 

 the seeds. The average small flower seed 

 should not have more than the fourth of 

 an inch over it. A board that will fit in- 

 side the box should be firmly pressed down 

 to insure the seeds being firmly embedded 

 in the mould. Otherwise the air gets round, 

 dries up and kills the first frail germs 

 of life. After planting and patting down, 



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