UoWl ^alden ^ucced^ will depend on 



thorough cultivation and care 



Cover the seed box with a damp cloth or paper 

 and place a pane of glass over the top until germi- 

 nation starts. Remove the paper or cloth as soon as 

 the first sprouts break through the soil. Wipe off the 

 glass when water collects on it from evaporation. 

 This will prevent moisture from dripping on the little 

 plants and perhaps causing "damping off." 



During the day prop up one edge of the glass cov- 

 ering for ventilation. Remove glass when plants are 

 established. Keep the seed box uniformly moist but 

 not wet or water-logged. 



When seedlings are two or three inches high, soon- 

 er if possible, they are ready to be transplanted 

 either to individual pots or out-of-doors. 



Fill a shallow box or flat with fine soil or builders' 

 sand and soil. Make shallow depressions with a 

 straight-edged flat stick. Scatter the seed from the 

 packet . . . not too thickly. Cover with soil and tamp 

 down with the flat of the hand or a smooth board. 



"k Transplanting 



Proper methods in setting the young plants out- 

 doors are just as important as good care while get- 

 ting them started indoors. 



1. It is a good plan to harden the young plants to 

 outdoor conditions by setting the boxes outside in 

 good weather (not in the direct sun) for several days 

 before transplanting. 



2. Either choose a day that is cool and cloudy, or 

 do the transplanting in the afternoon. 



3. Water the plants well before disturbing them. 



4. Avoid injury to the roots in taking up the 

 plants, and if possible keep a ball of earth around 

 them. 



5. Water the soil before and after setting the 

 plants. If the soil is very dry, partly fill each hole 

 with water before setting the plants. 



6. Firm the soil around the roots of the plants so 

 that they can take hold securely. 



7. The plants will get a quicker and better start 



When seedlings are large enough to set out in the open 

 ground, dig a hole wide enough and deep enough to 

 receive the roots of the plant without crowding. Fill 

 the hole about half full of water before setting the plant. 

 Firm the soil around the roots. 



if they are shaded from the direct rays of the sun 

 for a few days after transplanting. 



* Cultivating 



Stirring the surface soil of the open ground during 

 the period of growth kills weeds, 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. 



* Watering 



When plants need artificial watering, the best hours 

 of the day for it are early morning or evening. The 

 roots, however, may be watered at any time. One 

 good soaking is better than many light sprinklings. 



* Keeping the garden healthy 



1. Spray and dust with reliable insecticides before i 

 there is the least suspicion that insect pests may 

 be at hand. Do not give them a chance to get a foot- 

 hold. "An ounce of prevention ..." is a safe maxim 

 to follow. 



2. In fall, remove and compost or burn all rubbish 

 in the garden. Many insect eggs may thus be de- 

 stroyed that would otherwise be harbored over winter. 



3. If you have had unsatisfactory results because 

 of certain plant diseases, try some of the new strains 

 of flowers and vegetables that are resistant to dis- 

 ease. You will find many disease-resistant strains j 

 listed in this Guide. 



