Hotbeds, Cold Frames and Flats 



As in the planting in the hotbed, the seed 

 plots should be carefully labeled with name and 

 date of sowing. After planting the seeds the 

 flats should be set in a pan of water until the sur- 

 face looks dark but not wet. They should then 

 be covered with a sheet of white paper and glass 

 and set in a warm, sunny window until ger- 

 mination takes place. Then the glass should be 

 raised sufficiently to admit air and the paper re- 

 moved and placed between the box and the win- 

 dow or a width of cheese cloth may be interposed 

 between the glass and the box to temper the sun- 

 light until the little plants have acquired their 

 first pair of true leaves when they will be able to 

 endure more heat and air which should be steadily 

 increased until on mild days the window may be 

 opened that they may benefit by full sunshine 

 and air. As soon as the Httle plants are an inch 

 high, transplant into other flats, setting an inch or 

 more apart each way, and grow on as before or 

 until they again crowd each other, when they may 

 be transferred to small two or three inch pots and 

 the sand box until time to go into the ground. 



35 



