one-fifth of the seed when broadcasted as compared with drilling.
As in the case of grass seed, the grains are generally rolled after
sowing.
Corn is planted by hand, or by hand- and horse-corn-planters, which
drop a certain number of seeds at any required distance in the row.
There are a number of seed drills made for planting vegetable seeds
which are good machines.
The main points to be considered in seed drills or seed planting
machines are:
Simplicity and durability of structure.
Ease of draft.
Uniformity in quantity of seed planted, and in the distances apart and
depth to which they are planted.
The distances apart at which seeds are planted vary according to the
character of the plant. Bushy, spreading plants and tall plants
require more room than low and slender-growing plants.
Visit the neighboring hardware stores and farms and examine as many
seed-growing tools as possible to see how they are constructed and how
properly used. Practice planting with these tools, if possible.
Illustrations of grain drills and other seed-planting machines will be
found in seed catalogues, hardware catalogues, and in the advertising
columns of agricultural papers.
SEED CLASSIFICATION
In order to become familiar with the farm and garden seeds, obtain
samples of as many of them as possible. Put them in small
bottles--homoeopathic vials for instance--or stick a few of each
kind on squares of cardboard. Arrange them in groups according to
resemblances or relationships, comparing not only the seeds but the
plants on which they grew. If you cannot recall the plants, and there
is no collection available, study the illustrations in seed catalogues
which can be obtained from seedsmen. The following groups contain
most of the farm and garden seeds, excepting flower seeds:
GRASS FAMILY: MUSTARD FAMILY: NIGHTSHADE FAMILY:
Corn, Mustard, Potato,
Wheat, Cabbage, Tomato,
Oats, Cauliflower, Egg Plant,
Rye, Collards, Pepper.
Barley, Brussels Sprouts,
Sorghum, Kale, GOOSEFOOT FAMILY:
Orchard Grass, Kohl Rabi, Beet,
Red Top Grass, Radish, Chard,
Timothy, Ruta Baga, Spinach,
Kentucky Blue Grass. Turnips, Mangle Wurzel.
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