Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1881-09-02
Seeding Wheat.

The most important thing about
wheat-growing is getting the seed in
the ground. 1t is a common prac-
tice, much to be condemned, of put
ting off the seeding of wheat until
the last moment. The contrary direc-
ton should be followed, and, instead of
deferring seed-sowing until all other
work is done, there should be an en-
deavor to get the seed in by the first of
October.
In the first place plow deeply, not
less than six inches, and, if possible, on
stiff, clay lands, let the subsoil plow be
used. This answers two purposes. 1t
opens the Iand deeply, letting down the
excess of water when we are visited by
heavy rains. and allows the roots to
penetrate easily to secure firm hold.
Sow early, for then the plants have
time to bed themselves and secure
firm foundation against the action of
frosts, which throw the plants up when
the land thaws in the spring. Wheat
that has been in the ground long enough
to secure a good foothold is Z at least
over the greatest difficulty, and it is
only those who have made the mistake
OF sowing late that have been the heav-
lest sufferers.
The seed should be carefully selected.
As we prize "lresh blood in live stock,
so should we change our seed in order
to get the best results. There have
been many new varieties introduced of
late that are worthy of a trial, but such
should be tried on small scale before
making it general. Certain kinds are
adapted to particular localities, and the
farmers experience should guide him
in that respect. But under no circum-
stances should seed be sown that has
not passed complete inspection. In
England, when they wish to avoid
| cookie or other noXious weeds, the seed
is brought into the house and the whole
family are employed rejecting every
unsound or imperfect grain, frequently
using a magnifying glass to facilitate
the operation. In this country we cul-
tivate on too large scale to use such
means, but, however, as there is con-
siderable time during evenings between
now and October the spare time could
be proiitablv spent in overlooking the
seed. The utmost care is necessary, and
future labor will be saved thereby.
Wheat should follow corn or root
crops, rs they require clean cultivation,
| and the wheat VIII be less llaoe 10 COM
petition from weeds. Harrow the
wheat as soon as it is we'll up, and also
asain in the spring Drilling is pre-
ferable to broadcasting, and the roller
can advantageously be used where the
land is lumpy or clogged.
Did it ever occur to farmers that
wheat can be cultivated with profit
We have the authority OF the patent
Office report on agriculture that an En-
glishman planted wheat one foot apart
each way, manured and used the hoe
on II, with return of over one hundred
bushels to the acre. This does not
seem credible but there is no doubt that
the cultivation of wheat would pay in
the increased yield by such method
rs is evinced by the effects Of frequent
narrowing.
1t is recommended, II a good yield Il
desired, TO sow early, select the plump
est and cleanest seed, harrow as otter
as possible and manure we'll. Witt
good preparation OF the land, and extrs
care and judgment in seeding, thu
farmer need not fear next years per
formance with his wheat crop. Cor
burlington Hawkeys.