220 SCHOOL AND HOME GARDENS 
smaller boxes, may also be used, but they give greater 
difficulty in regulating moisture. The same may be said 
of the “ flats” used by florists. Zinc trays about three 
feet long, one inch deep, and twelve inches wide should 
be provided. The dimensions of the trays may vary, 
depending upon where they are to be used. They should 
be constructed so that they may be used on the window 
sill, either inside or outside of the window. 
Soil. A soil prepared by mixing two parts of garden soil 
with one part of manure and one part of sand will be 
suitable for germinating seeds in window boxes. Before 
the materials are mixed, they should be sifted through 
a screen with a quarter-inch mesh. After mixing thor- 
oughly, add water, a small amount at a time, and work 
the soil with the hand or with a garden trowel, so that 
all parts will become equally moist. The amount of 
moisture added should be such that the particles will 
fall apart slowly when a handful of the soil is pressed 
lightly together. Prepare a quantity of soil so that it 
will be ready for use. 
Drainage material. Some coarse material must be 
provided for drainage. Broken pieces of flowerpots, 
crushed stone, small cinders, and fibrous pieces that will 
not pass through the screen easily will serve the purpose. 
How to plant large seeds. In the bottom of the box 
place about an inch of drainage material. Then fill in 
soil so that the surface is within two inches of the top 
of the box. Push the earth well into the corners of the 
box and make it smooth and level with a piece of board. 
