CHAPTER VI. 



PROPAGATION FROM SEEDS, CUTTINGS, ETC. 



At present most of our Window Gardens in cities are filled with plants bought 

 from the florist. Of course one half do not know how they are grown, and hence 

 do not well know how to take care of them. 



Every window gardener, it seems to us, should understand the first principles 

 of plant life, and learn for himself how they are propagated. 



Nearly all plants that are desirable for window gardening can be raised either 

 from seeds, cuttings or by grafting. Bulbous roots are propagated chiefly from 

 offsets, and the new varieties are produced from the seeds. Other plants are also 

 increased by offsets or separating the roots, but their number is comparatively 

 few. 



Warmth, moisture, proper temperature and a soil suitable to promote the 

 sprouting of the germ, and a shady situation until the seeds have swelled, are 

 essential to the vegetation of seeds. 



For window plants a greater degree of warmth is needful. Unless the air is from 

 66 to 70, and some bottom heat is supplied, your success will not satisfy you. 

 Seeds of tender plants require hot house treatment. Moisture must not be with 

 held at any time ; yet, if it is in excess, the seeds are apt to decay before they 

 sprout. A thick piece of flannel wet with hot water, and laid over the soil and 

 pressed lightly down upon it, will ensure the needful moisture, warmth and 

 darkness. Warm water should be given over it, letting it permeate slowly 

 through it. It must be lifted daily to see if the tender seeds are starting ; the 

 flannel must be removed before the leaves appear, and a pane of glass which will 

 exactly cover the seed box or pot placed closely over them. 



Too deep planting is a fruitful cause of failure with amateur seed raisers. The 

 depth of the soil must be proportioned to the size of the seed. Petunias, Primu- 

 las, etc., require the least sprinkling of sandy loam. 



A good general rule is to cover the seed only to the thickness of their own 

 diameter, yet this would not hold good with Sweet Peas, for they grow better 

 when planted three inches in depth. 



With very fine seeds it is best to press them lightly into the surface of the soil 

 with the fingers, then shade from the sun three or four days either with cloth or 

 newspapers, and sprinkle over the coverings, not letting them become dry at all, 

 yet not killing the germ of the seeds by too much water. 



Most tyros in plant culture fail by sowing their seeds in soil that is too wet or 



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