i8 CARNATIONS AND PINKS 



SOWING SEED 



Few things are more interesting in a garden than 

 a bed of seedling Carnations ; they are a source of 

 delight both to the grower and his friends, provide a 

 wealth of flowers for cutting, and there is the chance 

 of some new variety appearing that is more beauti- 

 ful even than those already in existence. It is most 

 important to procure seed from some well-known 

 grower who saves it only from carefully fertilised 

 flowers of the best varieties. Sow it in a box of 

 fine soil in March, and place it in a hothouse or 

 garden frame, with some gentle bottom heat, where 

 it will soon germinate. When the seedlings have 

 their several pair of leaves, and are of sufficient size 

 to handle, prick them out into boxes of well-prepared 

 soil. Place them in a frame until they show that 

 they have got hold of the new compost, then gradually 

 harden them off. Eventually, about the end of June 

 or early in July, plant them out in beds of deeply- 

 dug rich soil, about eighteen inches apart, where 

 they are to flower the following season. During 

 the winter little or no attention will be required. 

 In spring the soil should be occasionally stirred to 

 keep down weeds, and the plants dusted over once 

 or twice after rain with soot mixed with wood ashes. 

 This helps to keep off wireworms, slugs, and other 

 pests, and acts as a good manure also. Beyond this 

 there is only the staking of the flower-stems, and, of 

 course, the necessary watering in dry weather. It 

 is most important not to let the roots get too dry. 



