40 PRESENT-DAY GARDENING 



from this there is no substantial advantage in the system. 

 Autumn sowing is advantageous in giving a longer time for 

 the plants to root in, and, although they may not gain 

 materially in earliness over spring-sown seeds, this superior 

 root development will tell in the substance and colour of 

 the blooms ; but when all is said, the grower must settle 

 the point for himself. 



Autumn Sowing. Now let us particularise a little as to 

 the best times for autumn and spring sowing, and we will 

 take outdoor work first, as being the more generally con- 

 venient. Those who live in cold districts and have to 

 contend with a strong, close, clayey soil should endeavour 

 to get seeds in during September, early or late according to 

 the weather. The seeds should be sown more thickly than 

 in more congenial soils, but attention to this point will be 

 drawn in due course. In either strong or medium loams 

 the best month is October, while in warm sands November 

 will prove the most generally suitable. If there is a cold 

 frame at command, the middle of October is an ideal 

 time for sowing, and 6-inch pots should be given the 

 preference over those of smaller size, since they afford 

 additional root room, which Sweet Peas greatly appreciate. 

 Five seeds should be set round the sides of the large pot ; 

 or if it is necessary to use 3-inch pots, then put one seed in 

 the middle and be prepared to repot as early in the spring 

 as possible. Few growers, however, care to go to this 



