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The J. Bolgiano Seed Company, Baltimore, Md. 



Poultry and Sheep Manure are also good, but commercial varieties only should be used which are obtained 

 from stock yards and which are free of weed seed. It is best to use these manures in the hills or in trans- 

 planting rather than as a general fertilizer, due to their high percentage of nitrogen. 



When digging the soil make a thorough job of it. If the garden is large enough have it done by a horse 

 and plow, but if it is not, the digging should be done by a fork, and to a depth of twelve inches. A thorough 

 digging means the difference between a productive garden and a poor garden. No plant can have its best 

 development if its strength is used trying to penetrate a bard soil to obtain sustenance. 



Eake carefully, removing all rocks and other matter, reduce all lumps of dirt and smooth until the soil 

 is in a finely divide soft pliable condition when it is ready for seeding. 



Starting Early Plants 



Having specific plans for the garden, preparations may be made for an early start. As above stated, 

 early plants may be obtained by the use of the "seed flat or the hot bed. The seed flat is generally recom- 

 mended for the home garden. 



A very satisfactory seed flat may be made by sawing off about four inches of the bottom portion of 

 a box of a convenient size to handle easily. Fill this box with fine sifted soil and to which it is well to add 



Hotbed Showing Method of Construction (after R. L. Watts). 



some fertilizer and press down firmly but not too solidly. By means of a ruler or other similar article make 

 little furrows in the soil about two inches apart and not over one-quarter of an inch deep. The usual rule 

 for planting seed is twice the diameter of the seed. Spread the seed thinly and cover after which give a 

 light watering. It is suggested that the soil be covered with newspaper until the seed has sprouted and the 

 plants begin to show above the ground. The best location for a seed flat is in the window where the sun can 

 strike it part of the day. It is a good plan to turn the seed flat from day to day so that the sun can strike it 

 evenly. Water occasionally and do not forget this important part. 



When the plants have attained sufficient height transplant to another seed flat setting the plants about 

 three inches from each other each way. As the plants develop place the flat in a sheltered place in the 

 open, on warm, sun shiny days, to harden them off, and when the danger of frost is past, transplant to the posi- 

 tion originally planned in the outdoor garden. 



