100 SCHOOL AND HOME GARDENS 
Sowing out of doors. Verbena seeds may be sown in 
the open in May. Thin the plants as they become 
crowded. 
Cuttings. Verbenas may be propagated easily by 
breaking off shoots five or six inches in length and 
placing them in soil to a depth of two inches. Water 
thoroughly and shade them for two or three days. Cut- 
tings may be planted in the fall in porch boxes, where 
they will coritinue to bloom for some time after plants 
in the open are destroyed by frosts. 
Window boxes. Verbenas may be placed in window 
boxes with petunias, poppies, gaillardias, and other tall- 
growing plants; they will serve as a border to hang over 
the sides of the boxes. Always keep them in a sunny 
place. 
THe WILD CUCUMBER 
The wild cucumber is sometimes called the Califor- 
nia cucumber. In seed catalogues it is usually listed as 
Echinocystis lobata. It is one of the quickest growing 
annual vines, and there is nothing better for covering 
trellises, old trees, old sheds, and fences. 
Planting. The plants will grow in any kind of soil. 
Thoroughly mix a shovelful of well-rotted manure with 
the earth after spading it to a depth of about one foot. 
Sow the seeds in autumn; for spring use soak them 
in warm water for a day before sowing. The young 
plants may be transplanted early; shade them for two 
or three days. 
