140 THE GAEDENEK'S COMPANION 



might wash the tiny seeds too far in ; but to keep it 

 moist, stand the pan in a larger pan, filling the 

 space between with soil which can be watered, so 

 that the inner pan is kept from getting too dry. 



With seeds that are not quite so small you may 

 cover lightly with soil or sand, and water with a 

 very fine rose. 



All seeds germinate best when they are kept in 

 the dark, or at least shaded, but as soon as they 

 are up they should be placed on a high shelf in 

 the greenhouse as near the glass as possible, to 

 prevent them becoming drawn and weak. 



Seeds of Asters, Stocks and other tender annuals, 

 should not be sown before the end of March, or 

 early in April, as they grow very quickly, and should 

 be brought on without any check until they can be 

 planted in the open. Always prick out seedlings 

 into boxes as soon as you can handle them, and 

 use good soil in the boxes to encourage growth. 



Seeds of perennials all germinate much more 

 surely and quickly if they are sown as soon as ripe, 

 and this is the best way to increase such things as 

 Campanulas, Delphiniums, Antirrhinums, etc. ; and 

 if they are sown in the open in July or August you 

 will have nice young plants for the following summer. 



