The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1875-04-29
Raising Evergreens from Seed.

We have frequently, in years past, de-
scribed the various methods ofpropagating
evergreen trees and shrubs. But as the
season approaches for planting out such
things, many of our new subscribers ask
for information which compels us to repeat
what we may have said upon the same
subject in previous volumes, thereby plac-
ing us in the position of the school teach
er who is obliged to commence at the same
point with every new class Of scholars
OF late we have had several letters asking
for some definite instructions in regard to
raising evergreens from seed, which we
propose to briefly answer at this time.
The cones of our native evergreen trees
should be gathered when fully mature, in
autumn and before they open, then spread
them upon shelves or the floor of dry,
warm room, and leave in this position I'M
til sufficiently dry to permit the seeds to
drop out when handled. Some of the
pines, however, have very persistent cones
anti may require considerable drying be-
foIe the scales will relax sufficiently to al
low the seeds to drop out; but in such
cases it is best to soak the cones for few
hours in warm water before drying When
the seeds have been secured and all refuse
matter removed they may be put into bags
and hung up in cool room until the sea
son arrives for sowing in spring.
1t would be folly to attempt the growing
Of evergreens from seed in the open
ground, as we do most kinds of deciduous
trees. The hot sun and drying winds OF
our climate make havoc with the young
seedlings when they first appear above
ground, and even with all the care be-
slowed and artificial appliances employed
by our nurserymen serious losses fire.
quently occur at this period in the life OF
Seeding evergreens. Knowing the sensi-
tiveness of these plants to the influence of
hot dry winds and scorching rays of the
sun, beds for the reception of the seed
should be prepared in such manner that
full protection may be given during the
period named. Frames made of boards a
foot wide will answer every purpose, and
placed upon the surface of the ground
after the beds have been prepared. Four
feet wide and twelve long is a convenient,
size for the frames. To cover these,
screens may be made of common lath, say
three feet by four, which is handy size
and not so liable to be broken as large
In making these screens the strips of lath
may he placed about as far apart as they
are wide, say an inch and half; this will
permit enough light to reach the plants to
insure healthy growth and at the same
time furnish shade enough to prevent
burning. Of course other materials may
be employed for shading, such as screens
of cloth, boughs Of evergreens, or even
making the beds on the north side of a
fence, building, or under large trees; but
the lath screens are cheap and most con-
venient, besides always more or less useful
to have about fer putting over hot-beds to
keep out the chickens if there are any
around: 1t is well to make up the
frames and screens during the winter
months in order to have them ready
when required for use in early spring.
A light, porous soil is necessary,
whether it he sand, loan or peat, and it
should also be deep and moderately rich,
although rank, fresh manure will not an
swer for this purpose. Soil that becomes
compact and hard on the surface when
dry would prevent the young seedlings
from coming up, consequently should not
be used for this purpose. Where loose,
friable soil cannot be obtained in sufficient
abundance to be used exclusively for the
entire depth Of the beds, smaller guam
tity will answer by spreading it over the
surface to the depth Of two or three inches.
As soon as the ground is sufficiently
warm and dry to work readily in the
spring the seed may be sown in drills six
inches apart and crosswise of the frames.
If the seed is covered by sitting the earth
over them to the depth Of half inch it
will be better than covering it with the
hoe or similar implements. After cover
ing water the bed thoroughly, applying
with a waterproof and through fine nose.
The screen may then be put on, and from
this time forward considerable care will
be necessary to give just enough water to
insure healthy growth, but not enough
to cause the plants to mildew or " damp
off," as it is usually termed by nursery
men. 1t is easy enough to grow ever.
greens from seed when one has learned
how by experience. The seedlings will
require careful attendance during the en-.
tire first season and may be transpl;mted
the second if a good, vigorous growth is
secured.-Rural Neao Yorker.