A through knowledge of the conditions necessary for the germination of different kinds of seeds is essential for a successful beginning. The want of knowledge in this matter is too often the cause of much undeserved censure upon the seedsman, in 9/10 cases, the failure is not with the seeds, but results from the time or manner of sowing.

How to store seeds.: Seeds should not be kept long before sowing, but should be obtained a few days before required, and if it is necessary to keep some of them for future planting, they should be carefully stored in a dry cool place. If left to themselves they are likely to deteriorate,a s moisture and heat have an adverse effect on them. They should be kept in a tin box with a close fitting round lid, or better still, in a glass stoppered bottle. This should be put away in closet where no direct draught reaches them.

Composition of soil: Many cases of failure in germinating are due to unsuitable soil conditions. It is physically impossible for young seedlings to send their tender shoots upward through the soil which is hard and packed, nor can the young rootlets pierce downwards in such soil. Let the soil be well dug and pulverized. Fine soil should be shifted on top to at least an inch in depth, and if it be heavy or clayey, should be lightened with sand, well rotten manure , or leaf mould. Soil left in river beds after a flood is very good. If mixed with equal portions of leaf mould , well rotten ow or horse manure, it is good for almost any seed to grow in.

Where a good, friable, loamy soil is not easily obtainable, earth from woods, if obtained in the neighborhood, will also serve the purpose well. In a damp hollow or ravine , where the trees stand closely together and the leaves lie thickest , the best earth will be found. Scrape aside the leaves and gather the loose, decaying mixture of leaf mould, fine roots and soil, which is usually 1 to several inches in depth. Pick out the larger roots and break up any larger lumps which will not go through an ordinary sieve. From the roadside or the banks of a stream, gather a quantity of fine, clean gritty sand. These together with the surface soil of a meadow where grass grow freely , in equal parts, make a good compost, suitable for sowing seeds.

The nature and composition of soil is not so important for the germination of large and vigorous seeds such as Peas,Beet,Beans,Corn etc. but with the delicate and slow sprouting sort such as Brinjal or Capsicum, and with most flower seeds it is of much importance.

Pots, boxes and tins: Where seeds are sown on a small scale for private gardens, it is better to use pots, baskets or boxes in preference to sowing them on beds, as they can be removed to the varandah or the sheltered side of a house and protected from heavy rains or direct sun. One or more holes, about less an inch in diameter should be made in the bottom of the pots.