CHAPTER XIII 



HALF-HARDY ANNUALS 



AS their name implies, half-hardy annuals must not be sown 

 out of doors until all danger of frost is over say towards 

 the beginning of May. But it is possible to get to 

 work two months sooner, and thus ensure earlier flowering by 

 sowing them in a frame set over a hotbed or in a warm greenhouse. 

 Even the lack of these almost indispensable adjuncts to the 

 enthusiastic amateur's garden need not deter him from attempt- 

 ing to grow from seed a few of those half-hardy annuals which 

 add so much delight to beds and borders in the height of summer. 

 It is quite possible to raise them in a sunny room indoors say, 

 an attic whose windows face south. But in case this method be 

 adopted, sowing should be deferred until April. 



The seed may be sown in pots or boxes ; either will serve the 

 purpose equally well, the choice depending upon the quantity 

 of plants it is desired to raise. If these be very numerous boxes 

 will be found most convenient. In the raising of half-hardy 

 annuals there are one or two guiding principles that need to be 

 kept in mind. These are : to use fine moist, sandy soil ; to 

 sow thinly ; to water carefully ; to supply ventilation as soon as 

 the seedlings peep through the soil, and to prick off early so as to 

 prevent overcrowding in the seed pan or box. 



In preparing the pan or box for the reception of the seed it will 

 be necessary to pay careful attention first of all to the drainage. 

 If boxes be used, it is a good plan to drill a few holes in the bottom 

 with a red-hot poker, and to cover these with a layer or two of 

 broken crocks. The latter should also be used generously if 

 either pots or pans be utilised. Fill the box or pan to within an 

 inch of the top with finely sifted soil, and press it down firmly 

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