The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-16
TERMINATION OF SEED

GERMi NATION OF SEED How long does it take seed to come up2 This question is fired at The Age-Herald everyday and it seems that the party making the inquiry is always sappointed at the answer given. The majority seem to think that there is fixed time in which any and all seed should vegetate There is not and there can never be an accurate table compiled that could be called reliable For example many seed germinate more quickly i'll moderately low temperature than they would in an incubator or m hot weather, while on the other hand some seed will not sprout until conditions are warm and moist It is a curious fact that some seed will snow quick examination when placed on ice or in a refrigerator, when they would show no quick growth under Ideal soil and weather conditions. A party will SOW grass seed, say in Oc- tober, when soil is. warm. plenty of sunshine and moisture, and the seed may be coming up in week or ten days. A neighbor sows the same seed month or so later and be- cause examination is retarded they cannot understand what the trouble IS and of course lay the blame on the seed. It should be understood Una. the seasons and soil conditions are the main factors in prompt growth.
 QUESTION AND ANSWERS
 .. l received a shipment of trees the other day, including some shrub bery that seem to have most of the tops and roots cut off How scan l, know anything about the size bought when the plants are cut in such fashion? B. J.. Ensiey. Ala
 A. Your nursery man must be an honest man and knows his business and you should thank him for put ting your plants in condition to set out The chief reason for most fail nres in setting out plans is simply because the planter will not properly prune before setting and many even set out without cutting back at all.
 Q. Last year I planted my sweet peas too early and they were so tall when the March freeze came that they never recovered from the in Jury. Do you think 1t now safe to plant? Mrs. E., Cullman, Ala
 A. There Is a lot of difference, so Tar in the present and last year. We have had several good frosts and think 1t perfectly safe to plant. The establishing of the roots deep down into the soil is the main thing, don't over stimulate but endeavor to keep the plants as small as possible. Cold snaps do not ordinarily hurt the
 
 Q. l bought lot of Sudan grass late last summer that I did not get chance to plant. Do you think this seed will do to plant the coming spring? F. S, Warrior. Ala.
 A.. Ordinarily sudan grass will keep over providing the weevils do not get into it. l would save 1t and test out sample in early spring before planting
 Q. Where is the best section in which to purchose alfalfa seed? We mean that producing section that would afford the most suitable seed to plant here? D. R.. Marion. Ala and l would advise you to write the Bureau of Plant Industry, Washing ton, D. c. In my own experience I have found that purity and germina- tion has more to do with the result ing crop than source of supply. Variety Is another important factor because some sorts. especially adapted to dry and cold climates have not proven as good for the south as our ordinary alfalfa.
 Q. What is the market in Birming- ham for the new crop of Mammoth Yellow Soy beans? We want to sell. s. S., Headland, Ala.
 A. There is really no market as no carload buyers here. I notice that North Carolina growers are getting from $1.60 per bushel up, depending on grade.
 Q. Is it time to plant pepper and egg plant seed for early spring plants and what about tomatoes? S. P, Lneville, Ala.
 A. It would be permissible to plant egg plants and pepper now in cold frames or hot beds as these plants grow very slow, but it's most too early to plant tomatoes, even in frames. It's splendid idea to grow your own plants if you are equipped for doing so.
 c. Which is the best fertilizer pound for pound. nitrate of soda or