CHAPTER XI 

 How TO Sow SWEET PEAS 



WE have considered the advantage, or otherwise, of sow- 

 ing seed in the autumn and spring, and many other points 

 relative to successful culture, and now in a few words 

 we will express our opinion of the methods of seed- 

 sowing now practised by successful growers. The seed 

 of some varieties germinates much quicker than others, and 

 there are well-known kinds that are lax in this respect. 



It is our invariable rule when sowing Sweet Peas 

 in pots, etc., under glass, to soak the seed beforehand. 

 To carry this idea into effect, some growers will follow 

 the practice of utilising a sufficient number of china 

 egg-cups or tea-cups or any other equally useful 

 utensils that will serve the purpose. We place our 

 seeds in these for about a day, more or less, using 

 ordinary cold water, and find this answers very well. 

 A label is placed over or alongside each receptacle 

 to avoid mistakes, and to locate the different kinds. 



Some growers have a preference for soaking their 

 seeds in fairly warm water ; as much as 75 to 

 80 degrees Fahr. being quite safe in the care of 

 thoughtful cultivators. Measures are taken to conserve 

 the warmth of the water by various means. A good 

 plan is that of placing a vessel of warm water over 

 the hot-water pipes, and in this way maintaining the 

 water at an even temperature. Others also make a 

 practice of filing through the skin of the seed, as this 

 assists a more speedy germination. 



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