SOIL FOR THE SEED-BED 47 



usually placed over the tester after the seed have been 

 arranged . 



Seed-bed. — In the growing of plants a good seed-bed is 

 absolutely essential and is a very important adjunct to the 

 successful manipulation of the plants. 



If the seed-bed is improperly prepared the subsequent 

 growth of the plants is often retarded. The soil, however, 

 is one of the most important parts of the seed-bed, and the 

 following points should be given considerable attention 

 before the selection is made: (1) The soil should be possessed 

 with the power of holding water; (2) the soil should be such 

 as to maintain the proper degree of heat; (3) the seed-bed 

 should be well drained; (4) the soil must never be allowed 

 to get too wet. If any of these factors are neglected 

 the efficiency of the seed bed is reduced. Attention should 

 be given to all of these points, with the view of making 

 them as near perfect as it is possible to do. The seed need 

 constant watching and careful attention. The soil, if possible, 

 should be kept a few degrees warmer than the air, and should 

 be uniform in moisture. Cold air should be avoided. 



Soil for the Seed-bed. — The soil should be carefully selected 

 and an attempt made to bring it into the best possible shape. 

 Experienced growers know that the choice of soil depends 

 not so much upon the nutritive substances it contains but 

 upon its physical properties, its power of retaining water and 

 its porosity. In the sowing of seed we are not limited to 

 any special soil but may select practically any type having 

 good physical qualities. Experience has taught us that 

 seed of certain species will do better in some special soils. 

 A light sandy soil will probably make the best seed-bed for 

 all general purposes, since it has a large number of good 

 qualities. For some seed a muck or a peat soil is considered 

 excellent. Such a soil is very easily handled and is well 

 suited for seed of a great number of plants. By a little experi- 

 ence one can judge a good soil by its appearance. If the 

 soil is too heavy it can be made lighter by the addition of the 

 right proportion of some lighter soil, such as sand or by the 

 use of decaying organic matter found in well-rotted manure 

 or leaf mould. Sand in too large a quantity is not desirable, 



