METHOD OF SOWING

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 212, 26 November 1927, Page 28 (Supplement)

METHOD OF SOWING

Seeds will germinate best when the necessary air, warmth and moisture are present. If sown too deeply (if the soil is too tlry or too damp) they will not start into growth.

Seeds sown under glass require more attention than those sown outdoors. It is best to sow in earth ware seed pans or, failing this, small seed boxes. They must be well drained and filled to the extent of one-third with pieces of broken crocks or flower pots, shell or scoria.

Sifted soil should be used, and rougher portions that do nbt pass through the sieve are placed on top of the crocks in case the fine soil chokes the drainage. The soil is pressed gently down b” means of a flat board. All small seeds, such as begonia, cineraria, lobelia etc., need but a slight covering of sand and soil. To keep the soil moderately moist it should be covered by a piece of glass, and often a further covering of paper is advisable.

The best way to moisten the soil when it begins to get dry is to immerse the flower pan almost to the rim in water. The seeds are then undisturbed.

When the seedlings are ready for transplanting they can be easib* removed with a teaspoon or curved piece of tin, care being taken not to shake the soil from the roots, otherwise they may get broken.