THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE OF AMERICA. 



145 



QUERIES and ANSWERS 



li'e believe the greatest good can be accomplished for the grtatest 

 number, by instituting a query column; or an exchange of expe- 

 riences, on practical propositions, by cur readers. 



You are inznted to contribute questions, and answer others. 



Each question as received will be given a number, the question- 

 er's name will not be published, but the source of the answer will 

 be given unless otherwise requested. 



We all have something we would like to know more about. Here 

 is your opportunity to ascertain somebody's experience in just that 

 matter. 



Xothing will tend to better fellowship than helping each other. 



Take advantage of this "Question Box." 



Can you furnish me with directions as to the methods 

 employed for raising perennial and other plants from 

 seed in the open air? What is the usual size of the seed 

 bed; how is it prepared; what is the usual distance be- 

 tween rows; the most convenient length for the row; 

 the manner of identifying the varieties ; the size of the 

 label if one is used, and any other helpful information 

 that may occur to you in this connection? As peren- 

 nial seeds are often slow in germinating what is done 

 to control the weeds between and in the rows to reduce 

 to a minimum the injury to seedling plants and dor- 

 mant seeds wished to be retained? — C. H. P. 



The usual methods employed by large nurserymen in 

 seed raising outdoors is in beds running east and west 

 for perennial seeds ; in order to give them the greatest 

 amount of sunshine when germinated. 



The soil must be deeply dug, but not necessarily rich. 

 In fact, no animal manures should be present for seed 

 sowing of flowering plants. 



A convenient length is 100 feet. Mark out beds 6 feet 

 wide. Leave 6 inches each side, and it will leave a space 

 of 1 foot for 5 rows in each bed. 



Run a line along, and mark out a (Irill, not deep, une 

 inch is sufficient, in fact, too much, and too much care 

 cannot be exercised in this matter. The soil should be 

 in a fairly dry condition at time of sowing. August is 

 the best month for the operation ; and after scattering 

 seed fairly thick in the drill cover slightly with fine soil 

 which has been screened through a 1/16-inch screen, 

 tamp down gently with the back of a spade, sufficient to 

 press the seed in contact with the soil. In about 10 days 

 some of the seeds will be through and unless the weather 

 is very dry no water is required, but do not allow to suffer 

 when germinated but water gentl}' with a fine nose on the 

 hose. 



The rows should be marked at each end by a plant 

 stake 1 foot long. .A convenient label is the kind florists 

 all supply, which are soaked in a chemical and are better 

 and more permanent than the ordinary painted ones. A 

 label 8 inches is a useful one for outdoor purposes. 



The above methods will do for annuals for perennial 

 and biennial flower seeds ; also for Perennial Shrubs. 

 They must be cultivated between rows by hand, and the 

 Dutch Hoe. Experience is the only way of knowing 

 the varieties as they break through the soil. 



As soon as convenient to handle, the young plants 

 must be transferred to other beds composed similar ti i the 

 seed bed, but must be protected from the hot sunshine. 

 An excellent shade is made with plaster laths, in the form 

 of a trellis and these can be obtained from any florist's 

 store by mentioning the size required. 



Pansy seed germinates better in a dark frame, and if a 

 few stout stakes are driven in and a sash placed over 

 and shaded a few days, it will hasten the germination. 



It is an easily accomplished matter to raise thousands 

 of young plants from seed. Care being necessary ; also 

 buy the" seed from a reliable source. Weeds must 1t« 

 picked by hand from among the slow-growing plants. 



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While at the Convention you I 

 will be cordially welcomed at I 



CEDAR ACRESl 



Gladiolus Farm. I 



B. H/\/V\yV\OIND XR/\CY 



WENHAM. MASSACHUSETTS 



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Tree Owners and Tree Lovers 



Will find much to interest and instruct 

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Send for Price-list. Uention thii ma.(axln*. 



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The Guide To Nature 



EDWARD F. BIGELOW. Managing Editor 



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