PROPAGATION 
87 
used, or sandy loam with a little bonemeal, for the first transplant. 
Whatever soil is used should be sifted through a four-inch, or finer 
sieve. 
After placing one-half inch drainage in the container, fill it with 
well-saturated, prepared soil to within one-half inch or less of 
the top, and pack down well with a brick, or block of wood. 
Recently it has been discovered that many plants’ diseases are 
carried in the seed. This is easily prevented by the use of Semesan 
or Fungtrogen, and should by all means be a part of the business 
of seed planting. Put a little of the powder in an open-mouthed 
bottle, or fruitjar, and shake the seeds about in it before planting. 
Seeds sown in "flats” or other containers may be broadcast, or 
sown in shallow drills, thinly, if care is taken not to plant them 
too deeply. Small seeds need barely be covered. Very fine ones 
need not be covered at all, but merely pressed firmly into the sur¬ 
face of the soil. These very small seeds may be mixed with sand 
or cornmeal to prevent crowding. A good rule for larger seeds is to 
plant them to a depth equal to twice their own diameter. After 
planting, moisten the surface of the container well with a gentle 
spray. 
In order to keep the temperature even, it is well to place glass, 
paper, or lath over the containers. Old burlap is apt to contain 
fungus disease. As soon as the seeds have germinated, begin to 
raise the covering, and increase the supply of air until the young 
plants are ready for full sunlight. 
Even moisture is most essential, and should be given from under¬ 
neath whenever possible. One pot may be set into another with the 
larger one packed with peat-moss, which should be kept wet; or 
the seed or bulbpan may be put into a flowerpot saucer. Flats may 
be set into containers of galvanized iron or other cheap metal. If 
watering from below is not possible, use a rubber spray, or a rose 
spray on the hose*. If glass is used to cover the flats, too much mois¬ 
ture will be indicated by excessive condensation on the under¬ 
surface of the glass which may be carefully lifted at one 
corner to give circulation of air. (See page 95.) Great 
care should be taken in watering the seedlings that 
* . . . "As glass heats up so much, it is better to use paper, lath 
screen, or best of all, cheesecloth, and water thru the cheesecloth." 
—Persia Crocker. 
Plant 
Disease 
Prevent¬ 
atives 
Depth to 
Plant 
Seeds 
What 
Cover 
to Use 
Moisture 
Needed 
