GETTING THE GARDEN READY 



61 



in which the seeds are sown. It gives protection from heavy 

 rains which would wash the seeds out, and it keeps the soil 

 moist in its shade during hot, dry weather. As soon as the 

 young plants of pennyroyal or thyme or the like are up, the 

 board may be removed to allow them sun and free growth. 



Several of the herbs may be grown 

 as house plants. Among them is pars- 

 ley, which is frequently transplanted 

 into pots for the house, and it may be 

 grown in the house even from the first. 

 It needs abundant moisture and a 

 rather cool temperature. Curled cher- 

 vil may be similarly treated. Both 

 may be kept in cold-frames in autumn 

 for holiday use. Sweet basil is a ten- 

 der annual, being native to India, and 

 serves well for in-door culture. It 

 should be started in the house in 

 spring for out-door beds, and plants 

 that have been cut back may be lifted Sage seedling, 



and potted in September for growing 



in-doors. In southern Europe special dwarf bush varieties 

 are commonly grown as pot plants in cottage homes. 



GETTING THE GARDEN READY 



When one wishes to start a garden in spring it is nearly 

 always worth while to begin operations the previous autumn. 

 Very often the ground to be used is covered with sod, in which 

 case it is always best to plough or spade it the fall before in 

 order that the frost may act upon it and enable the gardener 

 to get the soil into good workable condition when he wishes 



