TIME OF SOWING 9 



the more attention will they need in the matter of watering, 

 and there is the greater likelihood of trouble from drought and 

 insufficient nourishment. 



When Annuals are raised under glass the aim should be 

 to provide an atmosphere and temperature for them such as 

 prevail in April, the month when some of the earliest Annuals 

 should be appearing above ground in the outdoor seed beds. 

 The date of sowing must be arranged so that the seedlings, 

 after due growth and careful hardening off, are just needing 

 more root room when planting time arrives. No definite 

 date or dates can be given that will be certain to bring about 

 this ideal condition of things, because many and varied 

 circumstances come into play, even beyond the differences 

 of climate that prevail in different districts. 



In districts where the soil and climate are both favourable 

 Autumn sowing is well worth while, because it enables the 

 plants to produce a good root system, and the result is sturdy 

 plants that come into flower early. A sheltered spot where 

 the soil is well drained and contains a fair proportion of 

 grit and leaf-mould is suitable for this method ; but here 

 again thin sowing and early thinning must be insisted upon. 

 If pleasant Autumn weather follows sowing, especially if con- 

 siderable moisture accompanies the warmth, then the seed- 

 lings will certainly become "soft" or sappy unless thinned 

 severely as soon as they can be handled safely. If they do 

 become sappy or spindly, then the losses during the winter 

 are likely to be severe notwithstanding the hardiness of the 

 subject. However, despite the risks of weather and the 

 losses through pests, Autumn sowing gives gratifying results 

 nine times out of ten, whether the seedlings are planted out 

 the same year or left in the bed to be transplanted at the first 

 favourable opportunity in the Spring. I have had annual 

 Chrysanthemums a yard high and almost as much through 

 from Autumn sown seeds. 



