essential for g-ermination it helps us 

 §:reatly in determining- the proper 

 depth for planting. 



The depth of planting may be regu- 

 lated largely by the size of the seed. 

 Large seeds may be planted deeper 

 than small ones. (One important ex- 

 ception to be noted later.) 



No definite rule can be given. Any 

 table giving in inches or fraction of an 

 inch the (Jepths at which seeds should 

 be planted is misleading, for so much 

 depends on the texture and tillage of 

 the soil, the amount of moisture it 

 contains, the date of planting and other 

 variable factors. One rule, subject to 

 many exceptions, is to cover seeds three 

 to five times their diameter (thick- 

 ness). 



Small seeds like carrot, lettuce, rad- 

 ish, cabbage and turnip ought to be 

 covered v/ith one-fourth to one-third 

 inch of soil. If the soil is very light 

 (sandy) they ought to be planted a 

 little deeper to insure moisture suffi- 

 cient for germination. Beet, spinach 

 and parsnip may be covered deeper, 

 one-half inch if the soil is not too 

 heavy. Peas and com should be cov- 

 ered with about two inches of soil, 

 beans not over one inch. Beans lift 

 the seed above ground and if planted 

 too deep will break their necks in the 

 effort to get through. For this rea- 

 son something is to be gained by plant- 

 ing in hills; that is, four to six seeds 

 in a place, these a foot apart. If 

 planted singly, space 1% to 2 inches 

 apart. Do not plant peas in "hills*' 

 but singly, about an inch apart. 

 (5) 



