CHAPTER XIV 

 SEED SOWING 



i88. Soil selection and preparation. — Oxygen, heat and 

 moisture are the requirements for germination, but suc- 

 cessful results are largely dependent upon proper soil 

 selection and preparation. Many kinds of seeds cannot 

 germinate in stiff clay soils which are devoid of humus. 

 Air can scarcely enter such soils. The largest seeds may 

 germinate in extremely heavy soils, but most of the gar- 

 den seeds demand a soil of the best physical condition 

 and of fine texture. The failure to get a good stand of 

 plants is often due to clods and coarse particles of earth, 

 which cause the soil to dry out quickly and which prevent 

 it from coming into direct contact with the seeds. This 

 is a matter of prime importance. In a well-prepared soil 

 each particle is surrounded with a film of water, and 

 when a large number of these are in contact with the 

 seed ample moisture is supplied for germination. A fine 

 seed bed, therefore, is necessary for a high percentage of 

 germination. This applies to sowings made under glass 

 as well as in the open. Seed beds are generally im- 

 proved by the application of rotten manures, and sand 

 may also be used to advantage in heavy soils. Well- 

 prepared soil is loose and friable and takes water readily, 

 while a certain degree of firmness is also essential. When 

 fertilizers are used before sowing, they should be mixed 

 thoroughly with the soil, to prevent a considerable quan- 

 tity from coming in direct contact with the seeds and 

 causing serious injury. 



189. Moisture conditions. — Proper moisture conditions 

 previous to sowing may be secured in various ways. Fall 

 plowing is often a great advantage in this respect, par- 



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