SEEDLINGS 91 



method there is always the possibility of the seeds falling a prey 

 to, mice, and the seedlings to birds and slugs. In a greenhouse 

 or frame these pests are easy to combat. Late in January, or early 

 in February is the best time for sowing the seeds. If the young 

 plants become drawn the tops should be pinched out. This will 

 cause several shoots to develop near the base, and so establish a good 

 foundation. Pots 5 or 6 inches in diameter are the most convenient 

 sizes. 



For very scarce sorts pots 2j inches in diameter may be used, plac- 

 ing a single seed in the centre of each pot. Wash the pots clean and 

 allow them to dry thoroughly before using, as when dirty or wet 

 pots are employed the ball of soil does not leave the pot properly 

 when planting out. Soil for filling the pots should be prepared as 

 follows : three parts turfy loam, one part leaf mould, and one 

 part sand. Put large circular shaped pieces of crock over the holes 

 in the bottom of the pots, place several small ones over them, cover- 

 ing these with a few pieces of coarse, turfy soil. Fill the pots 

 to within one inch of the top, making all moderately firm. Place 

 four or five seeds at equal distances round the pot, and cover with ^ 

 inch of sifted soil. As previously mentioned, one seed is sufficient 

 in a 2^-inch pot. Press the surface of the soil even with a round tin 

 having a smooth base. 



Treatment of the Seedlings. Each pot should be carefully 

 labelled with the name of the variety, where the seeds were obtained, 

 if from different sources, the date of sowing, and number of seeds 

 in each pot if the quantities vary. When the soil is moist it will 

 be better not to water the seed pots till the following day. It may 

 be advisable to soak the seeds in water for a few hours previous 

 to sowing in order to assist them to germinate more readily. 

 Amateurs who have no heat in their greenhouse or frame need have 

 no fear of failure from this cause ; this simply means that the seeds 

 take a little longer to germinate. If the weather is severe the frame 

 must be protected, for although the Sweet Pea is a hardy plant, the 

 plants are more liable to damage from frost in a pot than in the 

 open ground. Those who raise their plants in a slightly heated 

 greenhouse should move the pots to a cold frame when the young 

 plants are 2 or 3 inches in height. At this stage they will require 

 support of some kind. A few twigs from a half worn out birch 

 broom will answer the purpose admirably. 



Hardening off the Young Plants. Bear in mind that the 

 Sweet Pea is a hardy plant and must have abundance of air and 



