CULTURE OF SWEET PEAS 39 



seeds in the early spring, placing five or six seeds in 

 a pot five inches in diameter. When the seedlings 

 are well through the soil, stand the pots on shelves 

 near to the roof, where the plants may be accorded a 

 light and airy position, and where their growth may be 

 kept sturdy. As they begin to progress and root action 

 becomes very marked, it is wise to shift the plants into 

 pots of larger size, doing this with the greatest care. 

 In the course of time, when these larger pots become 

 full of roots, the plants should be repotted, using pots nine 

 or ten inches in diameter, in which sized pots the Sweet 

 Peas should be flowered. By this time the spring 

 season will, of course, be well advanced, and that the 

 plants may be gradually hardened off they should be 

 placed in a frame outdoors, or in sheltered quarters, 

 where the hardening off process may be satisfactorily 

 accomplished. By the early days of summer, these 

 same plants may be stood out in the open where there 

 future progress, assuming all details of culture be care- 

 fully followed, will be of a satisfactory nature. Readers 

 who have not the use of a greenhouse or conservatory 

 in which to raise their plants in this artificial manner, 

 may utilise spare rooms or windows in a warm aspect, 

 placing the pots containing the seeds in a box or large 

 pot, and covering this with glass. Either receptacle 

 makes a most excellent little propagating apparatus in 

 which the seeds germinate quickly and satisfactorily. 

 Subsequent to this period the pots of seedling plants 

 should be taken out of the propagating box or pot, and 

 stood in the window, where they may derive the benefit 

 of sun as often as possible, and an abundant supply of 

 air. When all danger of frost and unpleasant weather 

 is past, they may be stood outdoors in a sheltered 

 corner of the garden or back-yard, and be subsequently 

 planted in tubs or pots filled with good soil to which 

 we referred earlier in this chapter. 



