PLANTING LIST 349 



Sow the seed as early as possible, in strawberry boxes, or inverted 

 sods, and treat carefully, not allowing the plants to grow too soft. 

 Set out (or sow in the garden) in hills four feet apart, which have 

 been made rich with compost or very well-rotted manure. Three 

 plants to the hill. If the plants grow too long without blossoming, 

 pinch off the ends of the vines. Do not let the plants set too many 

 fruit, but be satisfied with one, or at most two, to a branch. In 



Fig. 191. — Muskmelons of different sorts. 



buying seed, ask the seedsman what is best for your neighborhood 

 and your soil. Varieties are many, but get good seed. 



Pests and diseases are much the same as those affecting cucum- 

 ber. See under Cucumber. Spray regularly with Bordeaux, to 

 protect from rust. 



Nasturtium : One of the brightest of all garden flowers, tender, 

 easily grown, and yielding large pickings from summer until frost. 

 The varieties are chiefly yellows and reds in many shades; best 

 effects come from buying definite colors rather than the mixed 

 seeds. There are two main kinds : dwarfs, used for massing, and 

 climbing kinds, good for low screens or covering stone walls, to 

 which they can be led by means of strings. For the best bloom the 

 soil should not be very rich, for if it is, the plants will run to leaves. 



