84 SCHOOL AND HOME GARDENS 
Sowing out of doors. Sow the seeds out of doors in 
May or June, in drills one foot apart. Thin to two or 
three inches apart at first, later to one foot. 
Culture. Marigolds need very little attention. Keep 
the soil free from weeds. In autumn use them liberally 
for cut flowers. 
THe NASTURTIUM 
The nasturtium is one of the best annuals, being so 
easily grown that any child can plant it and take care 
of it. No other annual will produce such a profusion of 
flowers for so long a time with such a small amount of 
labor. It may be used as a bedding plant, in borders, 
or in window boxes. It is seldom troubled by insects 
and endures dry weather well. The dwarf varieties need 
no support; the tall ones grow to a height of five or six 
feet and for support need strings or small sticks, to 
which they will attach themselves by their leafstalks. 
As window climbers they will blossom during the win- 
ter. In the garden they may be permitted to trail over 
trellises or stone walls. 
Soil. The soil must not be fertile, but it should con- 
tain considerable humus. 
Sowing. For early plants, sow the seeds in window 
boxes two weeks before they are to be transplanted out 
of doors, and cover them half an inch deep. After all 
danger from frost is over, the seed may be sown in drills 
in their permanent place and thinned to six inches apart 
in the row. 
