MONEY IN THE BACKYARD 27 



soon enough. July 20 did not give the bulbs time 

 to form before the growing season was over. Next 

 time I shall sow them the first of July. 



A Cultural Necessity. "An important element 

 of success in July sowings is pressing the soil into 

 close contact with the planted seeds. This is essential, 

 for it causes the young plants to come up promptly, 

 regularly, vigorously and straight, instead of feebly, 

 unevenly and slowly, or else not at all, as often 

 happens in midsummer when the soil is left loose 

 and dry above the plantings. The later growth 

 and even the maturity of the crop also share in 

 the good effects. The seedlings get a good start 

 before the weed-seeds, in the unrolled soil between 

 the rows, have sprouted, so that the germinating 

 vegetables can be cultivated before the weeds 

 gain a foothold. In moist or heavy soils, or in early 

 spring or late fall, when rains are probable, and the 

 atmosphere is cool, this pressing of the soil is not 

 so necessary, but in the loose, dry, crumbly soil, 

 in which most of our summer planting must be done, 

 it is important to firm every inch of soil above the 

 seeds. It is not necessary to firm more than a 

 narrow strip, except in the case of broadcast sowing. 

 After firming, lightly scratch the surface with a rake 

 to form a 'mulch' which helps to retain moisture 

 and to prevent the formation of a crust through 

 which it would be difiicult for the seedlings to push 

 their way. This principle applies to all kinds of 

 seeds, and to transplanted plants, which can thus 

 be protected from the wilting and burning that so 

 often follow careless transplanting, in hot, dry 



