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Show . TIPS to irardeners Plant Seeds Carefully VX'HEN vegetable and flower seeds purchased from reputable repu-table firms do not germinate as they should, it is safe to assume that conditions are not favorable for growth, or that seeds were not planted properly. Therefore, it is of greatest importance im-portance to plant seeds according to directions on the packets. Extremely Ex-tremely small seeds must be covered cov-ered only lightly with soil, according accord-ing to Harold N. Coulter, vegetable vegeta-ble expert. The will to grow is strong in seeds, but they hsve their limitations. limita-tions. To plant a tiny seed, like the petunia, under an inch of soil is like burying a man under a 20-story 20-story building and asking him to push it away. Heavier, larger seeds, of course, may be planted deeper. Beans and cucumbers may be covered with three-quarters of an inch to a full inch of soil. Peas and corn sprout vigorously and may be planted from an inch to an inch and one-half deep. Many successful home gardeners garden-ers actually cover peas and corn with an extra half-inch of soil after aft-er they begin to push through. This protects them from birds, and also helps keep weeds down. |