For the larger operations of the farm and market garden, hand and horse-power drills and broadcasters are generally used, though some farmers still plant large fields by hand.
The grasses and clovers are generally broadcasted by hand or machine, and are then lightly harrowed and are generally rolled.
The small grains (wheat, oats, etc.) are broadcasted by many farmers, but drilling is considered better. With the grain drill the seed is deposited at a uniform depth and at regular intervals. In broadcasting, some of the seeds are planted too deep, and some too shallow, and others are left on the surface of the soil.
From experiment it has been found that there is a loss of about 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:
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.
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: