HOW TO SOW SEEDS.

Dunstan Times, Issue 534, 12 July 1872, Page 3

HOW TO SOW SEEDS.

For complete success in the cultivation of all leguminous crops, the ground of whatever nature must be broken up deeply, and a good tilth secured say at least 18in. in depth. Crops’sown|upon ground of this depth soon get good root-hold of the soil which it is impossible for them to do under the surface system of cultivation. Next in importance is plenty of room, Crowding is one of the most frequent errors committed many who have none to much space at command, ” endeavour tno grow to much forgetting that all living plants must have room to grow for if they have not, attenuation must be the consequence. Frequently the planting out of a few hundred more plants tha" there is room for, spoils the lot, even though the ground be good. If the seed sown is good thick seeding is nut only unnecessary but waste. The neglect of timely thinning always result ifi the injury of the corn. Such crops as peas should be allowed plenty of space between the rows the produce then being not only greater but of very superior quality at the same time the space between the rows is always suitable for other dwarfgrowing crops. Many amateurs treat all seeds nearly alike covering all about the same/lepth and sowing about the same period. Thus many never rise again and seedsmen are wrongly blamed the seeds being engulpbed. Others again do not take take sufficient care in reference to the weather having stated periods for seedsowing. Very wet ground is altogether unsuitable for seed-sowing the wet soil frequently destroying the germinating power and lienee no living plants appear upon the surface. If soils are very heavy, it is worth while to prepare a kindly seedbed, by adding some light friable loam, and thoroughly working the ground exposing it to the action of sun and air for very fine seeds using a tiiiecompostas atop-dressing. Small seeds require a level sweet clean bed, which should be in a nice dry state when the seeds are sown. As a rule, it is a good plan to cover all seeds with fine loam to the their own diameter, previously seeing that the soil is not too loose beneath them, for it so they do not readily lay hold of the loam a firm surface giving the seed a kind of purchase power which enables them to push the root in one direction and the embryo stem in the other. Light land, so far as its mechanical preparation is concerned may very readily be brought into condition, .while heavv land can only he approached through the agenci-es-of heat sun and moisture. Stiff soils, if properly drained and thoroughly worked, are often the most suitable soils in the country. Heavy soils are greatly improve 1 for all garden crops by the admixture of ashes, the refuse of burnt rubbish,. charred earth, and sandy loam- Burnt refuse is the best being always free from weeds and containing no insect larvae it is also i decidedly objectionable to snails, slugs worms, etc., which pests destroy one way ; or Gre other vast numbers of softened seeds, I besides making hearty meals of the tender | leaves as they sprout. The attacks of birds | and nicetnust Also be guarded against, it | being somewhat amazing what a quantity are annually consumed by these feathered depredators. Amateurs having plenty of time at command would do well to give particular attention to the sowing of seeds aud preparing the ground for them carefully dropping in such seed as onions carrots, parsnips aud the like at the short distance apart usually required by these vegetables leaving sufficient distances between the rows to admit of thorough cultivation when very superior gowth will be the consequence. A great saving of seed is also by this means effected. Larger seeds such as beans, peas, and the like require a covering of about two inches for summer; crops, perhaps a little more, being very particular to regularly earth these)crops as they advance in growth. If more care is used in seed-sowing we shall not so often Lear the seedsman blamed for supplying a bad article for at least six times out ■often itis the culivator who should be arraigned for either mismanagement, carelessness or want of attention. There are few subjects upon which more lias been said at various times than the sowing of seeds; the great thing, however, especially f or amateurs to guard against or to avoid is both to deep and to shallowaowing’usiogtheirjujgemeut according to the soil and situation being at all times careful to have the loam fine whatever the nature of the ground. It needs but little attention to quickly master the chief points the'grcalest element of success being after securinggood seed, to have the ground properly prepared and in fine trim to receive it. —Melbourne Times.