22 SUCCESSFUL FARMING 



avoid clubroot. The soil should also contain considerable humus, and some 

 sand is a great advantage. If composted, two parts of loam, one part of 

 rotten manure and one part of sand will give good results. It is always 

 desirable to prepare and store the soil in the fall, so that it will be ready for 

 use when wanted in February or March. 



Flats or shallow plant boxes are a great convenience in starting early 

 plants. They may be made of new lumber or of empty store boxes. Chest- 

 nut and cedar are very durable woods for this purpose. The thin pine 

 boards of boot and shoe boxes are easily made over. A common plan is to 

 rip soap and tomato boxes into sections, using any kind of thin lumber 



ONE OF THE MANY GOOD TYPES OF SEED DRILLS. 1 



for the bottom of the flats. Plant boxes need not have a depth of more 

 than two inches, though deeper boxes require less attention in watering 

 because they hold more soil, and, consequently, more water. i 



Seed sowing with such crops as cabbage and lettuce usually begins 

 about the first of February in northern districts and earlier in the South. 

 While the seed may be sown broadcast in flats or beds, the better plan is 

 to sow in rows about two inches apart. This is ample space for all of the 

 vegetables which are ordinarily started under glass. If ten to twelve good 

 seeds are dropped to each inch of furrow, there should be a satisfactory 

 stand of plants. The furrows should be about one-quarter inch deep for 



i Courtesy of New York State College of Agriculture, Ithaca, N. Y. From Cornell Reading Courses, 

 VoL III. 



