Part n 



Reasons for Some of the Operations 

 De^cr^bed in Part I 



Every seed contains an embryo plant. 

 In order to germinate (sprout) and 

 produce a living plant three things are 

 essential — moisture, warmth and air 

 (oxygen). If any one of these is lack- 

 ing, seeds will fail to germinate. If 

 any one of these essentials is not pres- 

 ent in sufficient amount, germination 

 will be tardy. It is very important 

 that seeds should germinate promptly 

 or else decay will result. 



Seeds absorb water promptly when 

 placed in contact with it. In the soil 

 the promptness and rapidity with which 

 seeds absorb moisture will depend upon 

 the points of contact. If the soil is 

 not pressed closely about the seed but 

 few points are in contact with it and a 

 long time will be required for it to 

 germinate. Therefore, we traanp the 

 soil over the seed with the foot or hoe. 

 By this means we also increase the 

 capillarity or water pulling i>ower of 

 the soil, for moisture passes readily 

 through soil particles which are in 

 close contact and less readily when 

 the soil is loose. 



The proper degrree of warmth is es- 

 sential This varies with the sv^cies 

 but the variation is not wldeu 



Seeds of the common garden vege- 

 tables win germinate readily at a tem- 

 perature of 50 to 55 degree IJettuce 

 and radish will germlimte at l4>wer 

 tempera t^lre, 45 to 50 degree*. Peas 

 will germinate at 22 to 40 d/^spr^em. 

 (7) 



