84 SCHOOL AND HOME GAKDENS 



Sowing out of doors. Sow the seeds out of doors in 

 May or June, in drills one foot apart. Thin to two or 

 three inches apart at first, later to one foot. 



Culture. Marigolds need very little attention. Keep 

 the soil free from weeds. In autumn use them liberally 

 for cut flowers. 



THE NASTURTIUM 



The nasturtium is one of the best annuals, being so 

 easily grown that any child can plant it and take care 

 of it. No other annual will produce such a profusion of 

 flowers for so long a time with such a small amount of 

 labor. It may be used as a bedding plant, in borders, 

 or in window boxes. It is seldom troubled by insects 

 and endures dry weather well. The dwarf varieties need 

 no support ; the tall ones grow to a height of five or six 

 feet and for support need strings or small sticks, to 

 which they will attach themselves by their leafstalks. 

 As window climbers they will blossom during the win- 

 ter. In the garden they may be permitted to trail over 

 trellises or stone walls. 



Soil. The soil must not be fertile, but it should con- 

 tain considerable humus. 



Sowing. For early plants, sow the seeds in window 

 boxes two weeks before they are to be transplanted out 

 of doors, and cover them half an inch deep. After all 

 danger from frost is over, the seed may be sown in drills 

 in their permanent place and thinned to six inches apart 

 in the row. 



