they come above the surface. Press 

 the seeds g-ently into the soil and cover 

 them with a thin layer of soil. The 

 distance between the rows depends 

 somewhat on how long- the plants are 

 to be left before transplanting-. Dis- 

 tances from 1% to 2 inches are usual 

 and convenient. 



Watering the Seeds. After sowing, 

 water the seed box well, being careful 

 not to wash the seed, particularly if 

 different varieties are to be grown in 

 the same box. Enough water should 

 be put on to moisten the whole body of 

 soil in the box but not enough to cause 

 it to become muddy. 



One of the objections often raised 

 to growing early plants indoors is the 

 damage resulting to furniture and rugs 

 from watering. This can be overcome 

 by setting the seed boxes in the sink 

 or some other receptacle until all ex- 

 cess water has drained off. Then if the 

 boxes are set on oilcloth or heavy 

 paper no damage should occur. * 



Now cover the seed box with a pane 

 of glass or other cover, which will 

 prevent the loss of moisture, and set 

 the box in a warm place. As soon as 

 the young plants break the soil, remove 

 the cover. If it is left on, the plants 

 have a tendency to become spindly or 

 "leggy", aHd are likely to rot off. 



Care of Young Plants. The young 

 plants will need attention; give proper 

 light, heat and water. Keep the seed 

 box where it w^ill get abundant light. 

 Insufficient light results in spindly 

 plants. It is better to have the tem- 

 perature a little low than too high. 

 High temperatures mean soft, spongy 

 (5) 



