Page 262 - Primary Five Science

Advantages of a nursery bed

 It provides shelter to seedlings against harsh weather condi-

tions.

 It allows proper selection of seedlings before transplanting

 It allows in water infiltration into the soil before transplant-

ing

 Easy weed control

 Reduced field management costs

 Improved crop uniformity

 Shorter growing season and more efficient use of land

Setting up a nursery
1. Clear vegetation and weeds. Dig the soil well so that there

are no lumps and the ground is level

2. 1 week before planting, add a 7 cm layer of compost or well-

rotted manure. Use 1 wheelbarrow full of manure for every

3 square metres. Mix into the soil. Water the bed.

3. Raise the nursery bed 15-20cm high and 1 metre wide then

level well.

4. Make small drills 3cm deep and 20cm apart, by hand.

5. Mix seeds with some soil then thinly spread along the drills.

Water with care then cover the seeds lightly with soil then

mulch with dry grass

Examples of seeds planted in a nursery bed

Cabbages, Tomatoes, tobacco, carrot, egg plants, rice etc.

Examples of seeds planted directly in the main garden

Groundnuts, Maize, beans