44 PRESENT-DAY GARDENING 



shall commence towards the end of January, in pots, and 

 again the preference should be given to large ones if it can 

 possibly be made convenient. Either a greenhouse or a 

 frame will answer the purpose, provided that the heat 

 is very gentle ; high temperatures will, of course, favour 

 quicker germination and more rapid progress subsequently, 

 but the growth will be weaker and the difficulties and 

 dangers, when the time arrives for placing the plants in 

 their permanent positions, will be materially increased. At 

 the same time, absolute cold is not good for Sweet Peas 

 sown in January. Where there is no heated structure, or 

 that at command is too hot, it will be wiser to wait until 

 the middle or end of February before sowing ; the grower 

 will not then have to worry for fear of the plants becom- 

 ing drawn before the soil and weather are favourable to 

 planting. Out-of-door sowing in spring may be done at 

 any time after the middle of March up to the end of April 

 with every prospect of success. In gardens where the soil 

 is light and warm a start may be made in February, 

 particularly if a sheltered situation can be added to the 

 other advantages named. Taking one season with another, 

 the fourth week of the month of March is usually the best 

 period. 



When pot culture is decided upon, the grower must be 

 prepared not only to give the plants attention from the 

 time that they show through the surface, but also to provide 



