1 6 Making a Garden to Bloom This Year 
thought very stimulating when my spirit 
lags. Do it all well: give up a forenoon 
to it — more if need be — and secure a soil 
that is even, fine, soft, and mellow, before 
you open a seed packet. 
Flats made from cracker boxes are just 
right in size and weight, and two boxes will 
make several. Cut one into three-inch sec- 
tions lengthwise: the top section, with the 
cover nailed on it, is already one flat, the 
bottom section another. Onto one side of 
the other sections nail bottoms made from 
the other box; bore half a dozen holes in 
the bottom of each of them for drainage 
— and they are ready. 
Cover the bottom an inch deep with, 
first, a layer of cinders or gravel — any- 
thing that will be loose and stay so ; then 
put screenings over this. On top of this 
drainage layer spread the prepared soil 
and jounce the flat onto the table to set- 
tle it all well. Sow the seeds according 
to the directions which each packet bears, 
covering them usually to the depth of their 
own diameter. Some give them twice this 
cover, but a little is better than too much. 
Sift the earth onto them and pat it down 
gently with a float or flat board, or the 
