Carden Success Begins with 
Good Seed, Proper Planting, and Care 
* 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 (16) ft.x16!ft.), 
When the garden soil is 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. 
Plant from the Ferry packet by tapping gently 
with the forefinger; it helps distribute the seeds 
evenly in the row 
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 
cultural directions and zonal charts and by inquiring 
of successful gardeners in your neighborhood. 
The proper depth for covering seed varies with the 
different kinds of seeds and conditions of soil. This 
can be learned best through practical experience. 
When planting seed, the soil must be loose and 
soft so that the tender stems of seedlings can easily 
push through, and the young roots quickly find plant 
food. This is usually secured by careful preparation 
of the soil and by not planting fine seeds when the 
ground is wet. 
* 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. 
* 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. ene 
good soaking is better than many light sprinklings. 
