
(. L. F 
Harden Seed Service 

HE Garden Seed Division of G.L.F. Mills was set 
up in 1935 to supply vegetable seed of tested varieties 
to commercial growers and home gardeners. During the 
first two years, service was limited to four crops—cab- 
bage, cauliflower, peas and sweet corn. Samples of these 
seeds were tested on the farms of patrons in various 
parts of G.L.F. territory. 
By 1937 the Seed Service was enlarged to include all 
leading vegetable varieties. Three years later trial gar- 
dens were established near Ithaca so that accurate 
observations could be made on samples of all seed 
purchased by G.L.F. 
Today the Seed Service is equipped to handle the 
large quantities of seed required by commercial growers 
and home gardeners in G.L.F. territory. All of this seed 

Trial rows of small seeded crops, including lettuce, carrots, beets, parsnips, 
etc. Rows are approximately 35 feet long. Records are kept of stand, top 
growth and edible parts. 

is selected solely on a basis of its ability to produce good 
crops. Quality is controlled carefully by field testing, 
laboratory treatments and special breeding programs. 
G.L.F. Quality Control Program 
Certain areas in the United States are particularly 
well adapted to garden seed production because of their 
climate and soil conditions. Southern Idaho, for instance, 
produces the best garden bean seed because of its arid 
climate which prevents the development of blight and 
anthracnose—two seed-borne diseases which thrive under 
humid conditions. Western areas in general are well 
adapted to producing large yields of seed. 
G.L.F. purchases its seed stocks from the areas which 
are best suited to growing seed which will produce good 
y 
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Sweet corn trials are planted at two different times to get comparison 
between seasons of growth. Tops are removed and ears exposed for 
examination. 

