STAFFEL’S HANDY 
HINTS ON HOW 
TO PLANT IT... 
@ PREPARING THE SOIL 
A rich sandy loam is well adapted to gar- 
dening. 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 fertil- 
izer containing 4 per cent nitrates, 12 per cent 
phosphate, and 4 to 6 per cent potash is usu- 
ally best suited to this area. Apply at the rate 
of about 4 pounds to the square foot. 
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 immediately with fine, freshly pre- 
pared earth and press it down firmly and 
smoothly. This firming of the soil brings the 
particles of earth into close contact with the 
seeds, prevents drying out, and facilitates 
growth. 
Plant at a time when the atmospheric and 
soil temperatures are most favorable for germ- 
ination of the kind of seed to be sown. The 
best temperature for each kind may be learn- 
ed from study of our cultural directions and 
by inquiring of successful gardeners in your 
neighborhood. 
The proper depth for covering seed varies 
with the different kinds of seeds and condi- 
tions 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 se- 
cured by careful preparation of the soil and 
by not planting fine seeds when the ground 
is wet. 
PAGE THIRTY-FOUR 
GARDENING 

PLANTING TIP: Plant only in good soil. Soil which is too tightly 
packed makes poor stcnds; that which is too loose will not support 
long stemmed, heavy growth. Damp soil which can be squeezed in 
the fist and does not make a tight, compact ball or which doesn’t 
fall to pieces is considered the proper texture. 

HOW TO TRANSPLANT 
Proper methods in set- 
ting the young plants 
outdoors are just as 
important as good care 
while getting them 
started indoors. The 
same is true when thin- 
ning out a garden row. 
Choose a day that is 
cool and cloudy or do 
the transplanting in the 
afternoon. Water the 
plants well before dis- 
turbing them. 
Dig hole in which seed- 
ling is to be transferred 
and fill with water, 
giving water time to 
soak in good before 
imbedding seedling. 
Avoid injury to the 
roots in taking up the 
plants and, if possible, 
keep a bcll of earth 
around them until they 
are set in the hole. 


