is low, don't waste time planting such seed
unless it be small seed. Immediately you question that statement. Why
does the size of the seed make a difference? This is the reason. When
small seed is planted it is usually sown in drills. Most amateurs
sprinkle the seed in very thickly. So a great quantity of seed is
planted. And enough seed germinates and comes up from such close
planting. So quantity makes up for quality.

"But take the case of large seed, like corn for example. Corn is planted
just so far apart and a few seeds in a place. With such a method of
planting the matter of per cent, of germination is most important
indeed.

"Small seeds that germinate at fifty per cent. may be used but this is
too low a per cent. for the large seed. Suppose we test beans. The
percentage is seventy. That per cent. would pass you in school, but it
does not pass muster here. For if such low-vitality seeds were planted,
we could not be absolutely certain of the seventy per cent. coming up.
But if the seeds are lettuce go ahead with the planting. Peter will pass
around these germinating per cent. tables which he has printed for you.
I'd advise you to paste these in your garden diaries. After a test refer
to this table which is from a United States Agricultural Dept. list for
seeds not over one year old. You then know at once whether the seed is
worth using.

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PER CENT. OF GERMINATION
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Beans 90 | Leek 80 | Pumpkin 87
Cabbage 90 | Lettuce 85 | Radish 90
Carrots 80 | Muskmelon 87 | Spinach 84
Cauliflower 80 | Okra 80 | Squash 87
Celery 60 | Onion 80 | Tomatoes 85
Corn 87 | Parsley 70 | Turnips 90
Cucumber 87 | Peas 93 | Watermelon 87
Eggplant 80 | Peppers 80 |
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"After being sure of good seed the next step to consider is when to
plant the seed. It is well to start certain seed inside and so get a bit
ahead of the season. Other seed may as well wait, and be planted out in
the open when the ground is warm.

"Such vegetable seed as the following may be started inside.

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INDOOR PLA