HARDY ANNUALS. 355 



But first, a word as to sowing ; the general fault is plant- 

 ing too deep. 



No rule of general application can be given, for the 

 proper depth must be regulated by the size of the seed. 

 Lupins, Sweet Peas, and such large seeds, may be covered 

 one inch, while very small seed, such as Portulacca, should 

 be sown on the surface, and a very light covering of fine 

 earth sifted over it. 



The border for annuals must be finely dug, and the soil 

 well pulverized and raked smooth ; if the surface is coarse 

 and lumpy, most of your small seeds will fail. 



Hardy annuals may be sown in August, for early bloom 

 the next season ; or about the middle of April, for bloom in 

 the latter part of the summer. 



Half-hardy annuals may be sown in the open ground 

 about the first of May. 



The tender species should be started in the hot-bed, 

 sown either in pots or in the bed, about the first of April, 

 and transplanted to the open border about the tenth of 

 May, or when all danger of frost is past. 



If the plants come up very thick, thin out the weakest ; 

 you will thus give more room for the others, and secure a 

 better and larger bloom. 



