GARDENING FoR ALL. 33 
PROPER DEPTH FOR SOWING SEEDS. 
In sowing seeds, then, they must be covered with some- 
thing to exclude light, the soil usually answering this purpose. 
They must be deep enough to obtain moisture but not so deep 
as to prevent air reaching them. The advantages of sowing 
at an even depth and at regular and proper distances are, that 
all the seeds germinate about the same time, and the crop 
arrives at maturity all at once. Small seeds like turnip, 
cabbage, onion, carrot, broccoli, and sprouts may be sown 
about one inch deep in the soil. Smaller seeds like lettuce, 
endive, parsley, celery, mignonette and many flower seeds 
ought not to be covered with more than half an inch of soil. 
The smallest seeds, such as fern, lobelia, poppy, begonia, 
calceolaria, thyme and similar seeds are best sown upon the 
surface of the soil and the light kept from them by sheets of 
paper or other material. Larger seeds like beet-root, spinach, 
and lupins are best sown nearly two inches deep. Peas three 
inches, and beans three to four inches. All are better sown 
a little deeper in summer than in spring when the soil is moist. 
SOWING SEEDS ON LIGHT AND HEAYY SOILS. 
Light soils are generally best for the germination of all 
seeds and of small seeds especially, because light soil is 
warm, admits a sufficiency of air, contains enough moisture 
generally, and allows their first tender growth (plumule) a 
ready access to open air and light. 
Heavy, clayey soil is not so suitable, because it is dense, 
cold, wet, and not so easily penetrated by the air; and the 
seedlings cannot force their way through if sown too deeply, 
and such soil frequently becomes their grave. 
When there is a choice of soils in the same garden, let 
the warmer soil be reserved for small seeds, tender and 
delicately rooted plants, and early crops; the heavier soil will 
answer admirably ‘for mid-season and late cabbages, 
cauliflowers, beans, peas, turnips, seakale, and Jerusalem 
artichokes ; also for winter broccoli, sprouts, savoys and curled 
greens. 
