io8 



seeds may be expected to do under as nearly ideal 

 conditions of germination as possible. It is then 

 the business of the grower to provide these condi- 

 tions in the best manner. It is always to be re- 

 membered and expected that actual results in the 

 field will fall somewhat below laboratory tests. 



Prompt germination of the seed is of prime im- 

 portance. With this in mind, it rarely pays to plant 

 seed before the soil has been warmed to the 

 proper point to give the best germination. As 

 everyone knows, this varies greatly with different 

 kinds of seeds. Lettuce, radishes, cabbage and peas 

 may be sown very early and will germinate readily 

 at comparatively low temperatures, while corn, cu- 

 cumbers, squash, melon, etc., require much higher 

 temperatures for their proper germination. Seeds 

 germinating promptly usually produce stronger and 

 more vigorous plants than those in which the 

 process is delayed for any cause. The ordinary 

 soil dangers of diseases, rot and decay are largely 

 obviated by quick germination. The destruction of 

 seeds and plants by birds and rodents will be 

 lessened as the time of germination is shortened. 

 The weed problem is likewise less serious when 

 seeds come up quickly, permitting cultivation to 

 start early and weeds to be destroyed while they 

 are yet small. 



The depth of sowing must of necessity very 

 greatly depend upon the nature and character of the 

 seed and the physical condition of the soil and its 

 moisture content. The manner in which the various 

 parts of the young plantlet develop likewise has 

 an important influence upon depth of planting. 

 Such seeds as corn, peas and various others, throw- 

 ing up a single shoot from the seed, may be safely 



