ANNUAL FLOWERING PLANTS 



97 



up the subsoil to a depth, of another twelve inches if 

 it is so hard that the roots cannot penetrate it easily. 

 Thoroughly mix with the earth at least three inches 

 of old rotted and pulverized manure. The roots of the 

 plants will reach deep down into the soil if it has 



FIG. 50. Cutting Sweet-Pea Flowers 



been prepared carefully, and they will not be so suscep- 

 tible to the drought and heat of midsummer as plants 

 forced to keep their roots near the surface to ob- 

 tain food. 



Sowing. In order to encourage a strong root growth 

 and hold back the top, sow the seeds as early in the 

 spring as possible. It does not injure the seeds to be 



