Garden Success Begins with 
Good. Seed, Proper Planting, 
* Preparing the Soil 
A rich sandy loam is well adapted to gardening. 
Other kinds of soil are suitable, but stiff clays need 
plenty of fibrous material and must be thoroughly 
broken up. Sandy soils generally need additional 
fertilizing. 
For general use, where well-rotted stable manure 
is not available, a commercial fertilizer containing 
4 per cent nitrates, 12 per cent phosphate, and 4 to 6 
per cent potash is usually best. Apply at the rate of 
about 4 pounds to the square rod (1614 ft. x 16% ft.). 
When the garden soil ts slightly moist and crumbly in 
your hand, it 1s in good working condition 
Work the soil deeply and make the top 3 or 4 inches 
as fine and loose as possible. Much weed killing can 
be done by hoeing or raking just before planting. 
Do not work clay soils when they are wet enough to 
stick to rake or hoe. 
* Planting 
At time of planting seed in the open ground, the 
soil should be moist but never wet, when avoidable. 
To retain moisture after planting, cover seed imme- 
diately with fine, freshly prepared earth and press it 
down firmly and smoothly. This firming of the soil 
brings the particles of earth into close contact with 
seeds, prevents drying out, and facilitates growth. 
and Care 
Plant from the Ferry packet by tappmmg genily Pa ; 
with the forefinger; helps distribute the seeds oe 
evenly in the row 
it 
Plant at a time when the atmospheric and soil 
temperatures are most favorable for germination of 
the kind of seed to be sown. The best temperature 
for each kind may be learned from study of our cul- 
tural directions and zonal charts and by inquiring | 
of successful gardeners in your neighborhood. 
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The proper depth for covering seed varies with the 
different kinds of seeds and conditions of soil. a: is 
can be learned best through practical experience, 
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When planting seed, the soil must be loose and | 
soft so that the tender stems of seedlings can ea sily 
push through, and the young roots quickly find pla: nt 
food. This is usually secured by careful preparation — 
of the soil and by not planting fine seeds when the 
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ground is wet. 
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* Cultivating > 
Stirring the surface soil during the period of growth 
kills weeds, loosens the ground so as to encourage 
root development, allows air to enter, and helps to 
conserve moisture. Cultivation may be deep at first, 
but as the plants grow it should be more shallow to: 
avoid injury to the roots. fey : 
* Watering a 4 
When plants need artificial watering, the best hou 
of the day for it are early morning or evening. 
roots, however, may be watered at any time. 
