38 



HOUSE PLANTS 



by the tender seed-shoots, and retentive of 

 moisture. 



Water the soil thoroughly after sowing. 

 The best way is to set the flat in a large 

 pan partly filled with water, allowing it to 

 soak up from below. This is better than 

 overhead watering because no matter how 

 fine a spray is used it is liable to wash 

 the soil. Another way is to water through 

 a sheet of blotting paper. Place the 

 blotting paper on top of the seed bed 

 and slowly apply the water, allowing it to 

 soak through the paper. The drip is thus 

 avoided. 



Cover the box with a loose-fitting pane of 

 glass to keep a more humid atmosphere, thus 

 reducing evaporation from the soil. Every 

 day remove the glass and wipe off any water 

 of condensation which may be on it. Place 

 the flat in a position where it will receive 

 all the light possible, but shade it from the 

 direct sunlight. 



THE DETAIL OF " PRICKING OUT" 



Pricking out is the first transplanting of 

 the seedlings, and needs to be done tenderly. 

 As a rule as soon as the seedlings have made 



