CHAPTER XIV 
SEED SOWING 
188. Soil selection and preparation. — Oxygen, heat and 
moisture are the requirements for germination, but suc- 
cessful results are largely dependent upon proper soil 
selection and preparation. Many kinds of seeds cannot 
germinate in stiff clay soils which are devoid of humus. 
Air can scarcely enter such soils. The largest seeds may 
germinate in extremely heavy soils, but most of the gar- 
den seeds demand a soil of the best physical condition 
and of fine texture. The failure to get a good stand of 
plants is often due to clods and coarse particles of earth, 
which cause the soil to dry out quickly and which prevent 
it from coming into direct contact with the seeds. This 
is a matter of prime importance. In a well-prepared soil 
each particle is surrounded with a film of water, and 
when a large number of these are in contact with the 
seed ample moisture is supplied for germination. A fine 
seed bed, therefore, is necessary for a high percentage of 
germination. This applies to sowings made under glass 
as well as in the open. Seed beds are generally im- 
proved by the application of rotten manures, and sand 
may also be used to advantage in heavy soils. Well- 
prepared soil is loose and friable and takes water readily, 
while a certain degree of firmness is also essential. When 
fertilizers are used before sowing, they should be mixed 
thoroughly with the soil, to prevent a considerable quan- 
tity from coming in direct contact with the seeds and 
causing serious injury. 
189. Moisture conditions. — Proper moisture conditions 
previous to sowing may be secured in various ways. Fall 
plowing is often a great advantage in this respect, par- 
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