FLOWEK GAEDENING 103 



wanted. Sowings may be continued at intervals 

 till June the later ones in the open ground. 

 This will give a fine succession of flowers during 

 the entire season. 



When the seedlings have attained a third leaf, 

 they may be transplanted into other similar boxes, 

 lifting the small plants with a sharpened splinter. 

 This gives the plants more room, and checks the 

 tendency to "damp off" when the young plants 

 are crowded in the first seed bed. It also insures 

 more stocky and robust plants. If set three 

 inches apart, each way, they may be held until 

 suitable weather permits planting in the open 

 ground. For constant blooms, plantings should 

 be made at intervals of three weeks. Later plant- 

 ings may be made in a seed bed in the open ground, 

 about May 10, or a little later. The soil must be 

 rich and mellow. The little seedlings should be 

 shaded by muslin screens, supported on stakes 

 about twelve inches high. 



The genuine Sandwich Beds are ideal for 

 asters. If these are not -practicable, then try the 

 Modified Sandwich Bed. If a layer of sandy 

 compost be placed on top of the bed, and made 

 firm and smooth, the plants will thrive and bloom 

 in a way that will be very gratifying. 



The small Tom Thumb varieties are set six 

 inches apart. Medium sizes ten inches, and large 

 growing varieties twelve inches apart. A mulch 

 of fine manure will be found beneficial. 



Semple's Branching are sure to give satisfac- 

 tion. The blooms have long stems, which make 

 them ideal for cut flowers. For late blooms, it is 

 unsurpassed. For early blooms, try Queen of the 



