SEED-SOWING

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 256, 26 July 1935, Page 18

SEED-SOWING

Preparation of Soil

Picture the seedling coming out of the seed—a tiny, fragile thing with a very precarious hold on life, ami needing every support and help. If you keep that in mind you will prepare every seed-bed thoroughly. You will make the soil very tine, for instance. After digging or forking one foot deep, break It up till it won’t fall any more. Fine soil encourages root formation and ensures in a wonderful way an adequate, consistent supply of water. If you are preparing a seed-bed only —a bed from which the seedlings will be moved when large enough—and the soil is in good condition, don’t add manure. It is not a ■ help to tender seedlings. But if the plants are, to remain there, the soil must, of course, be prepared in accordance with their permanent needs. Before raking, tread the surface fairly firmly. This prevents it from settling down unevenly, and is another factor in promoting a good water supply. Naturally, heavy soils need less pressure than light ones. Rake very carefully, and remove all stones that don’t pass between the teeth of the rake.

Never attempt to form a seed bed in pasty soil. Not only will you fail at the time, but will jeopardise your chances later on. At this season you won’t be held up very long. A few hours’ bright sunshine or brisk wind works a wonderful transformation in the wettest soil.