CHAPTER XVI 



SEEDS 



In considering the question of expense in planning 

 for the garden, it is not economy to purchase low-grade 

 seeds. The total cost per plot is small for good seeds 

 and when you consider the labor, time and money 

 spent in every step of the work, it is wise to obtain the 

 very best seeds. 



What are good seeds? Those showing a high per- 

 centage of germination, usually over ninety per cent, 

 and that are true to name or variety. 



What are clean seeds? Those that are free from 

 foreign seeds, either weeds, other vegetables, or trash. 



What are fresh seeds? Those grown the previous 

 year. 



Seeds that have been grown under good conditions, 

 well ripened, properly harvested and stored, always 

 look better, plumper and brighter. Sometimes seeds 

 are harvested and offered for sale that have not fully 

 matured, or have been improperly stored. Heat and 

 moisture cause them to germinate slightly or ferment 

 or mold. Sometimes an insect eats the germ. Most 

 seeds lose their vitality after a few years. Carefully 

 look them over. Test their vitality in the germinating 



83 



