THE HANDLING OF THE PLANTS 117 
or in ground that bakes. With such seeds it is well to sow 
seeds of radish or turnip, for these germinate quickly and break 
the crust, and also mark the row so that tillage may be begun 
before the regular-crop seeds are up. 
Land may be prevented from baking over the seeds by scat- 
tering a very thin layer of fine litter, as chaff, or of sifted moss 
or mold, over the row. A board is sometimes laid on the row 
to retain the moisture, but it must be lifted gradually just as 
soon as the plants begin to break the ground, or the plants will 
be greatly injured. Whenever practicable, seed-beds of celery 
and other slow-germinating seeds should be shaded. If the 
beds are watered, be careful that the soil is not packed by the 
force of the water or baked by the sun. In thickly sown seed- 
beds, thin or transplant the plants as soon as they have made 
their first true leaves. 
For most home-grounds, seeds may be sown by hand, but for 
large areas of one crop, one of the many kinds of seed-sowers 
may be used. The particular methods of sowing seeds are usu- 
ally specified in the seed catalogues, if other than ordinary 
treatment is required. The sled-markers (already described, 
p. 109) open a furrow of sufficient depth for the planting of 
most seeds. If marker furrows are not available, a furrow may 
be opened with a hoe for such deep-planted seeds as peas and 
sweet peas, or by a trowel or end of a rakestale for smaller 
seeds. In narrow beds or boxes, a stick or ruler (Fig. 115) 
may be used for opening creases to receive the seeds. 
The depth at which seeds are to be planted varies with the 
kind, the soil and its preparation, the season, and whether they 
are planted in the open or in the house. In boxes and under 
glass, it is a good rule that the seed be sown at a depth equal to 
twice its own diameter, but deeper sowing is usually necessary 
out of doors, particularly in hot and dry weather. Strong and 
hardy seeds, as peas, sweet peas, large fruit-tree seeds, may be 
planted three to six inches deep. Tender seeds, that are injured 
