HARDY PLANTS. 
161 
of sowing in autumn in pots in cold frames, and planting 
out in spring, or in the open ground at the same time, with 
the view of getting early flowers. We find little advantage 
to be gained thereby. Others sow in heat in February, harden 
off in March, and plant out later; others, again, in cold 
frames in March to plant out late in April ; and the majority 
in the open ground in March. If the spring happens to be 
a mild one, those sown in heat will do all right ; but if it 
happens to be cold and frosty, then the plants receive a 
severe check. We favour the plan of sowing some in cold 
frames and some in the open ground in March. In both 
cases these do well. If the frame method be adopted, get 
some three-inch pots, put a crock in each and a little moss 
over it, then fill to within an inch of the top with good light 
soil. Plant five seeds in each, three-quarters of an inch deep, 
place in the frame, keep close and shaded till the seedlings 
appear, then expose to light, give plenty of air and sufficient 
water to keep the soil moist. When three inches or so high, 
expose fully to the air, and then plant in the holes or trenches. 
Or the plants may be transferred to six-inch pots, grown in 
the frame till the end of April, and then planted out. In 
planting, press the soil down firmly, and if the weather 
should be dry give a good watering. In the case of seeds 
sown outdoors plant eight or more seeds at even distances 
apart in each hole, and about three inches apart if sown in 
trenches. The seeds should be sown about an inch deep. As 
soon as the seedlings are well up in the holes, reduce the 
number to five so as to give the plants plenty of room. When 
three inches high place small feathery sticks to support the 
plants, and later add those of the usual full length. Keep 
the sticks in the holes well apart to allow sun and air to 
get to the plants. From time to time tie out the branches to 
prevent crowding. As soon as the flower- buds form water the 
soil occasionally with a solution of sulphate of ammonia and 
water, half-an-ounce to a gallon. Give three gallons to each 
clump or every lineal yard of row Never apply this when 
the soil is dry. If dry, give a good dose of water, first. 
Gather the fully expanded flowers early every morning, and 
every now and then remove all the bloom to give the plants 
a rest. Never allow seed pods to form. When the plants 
reach the top of the sticks, nip off their main points ; this 
will encourage laterals to form. The soil should be frequently 
stirred with prong or hoe to aerate it and keep down weeds. 
So far as the varieties of Sweet Peas are concerned, these 
are constantly changing, so that it is really better to consult an 
up-to-date specialist’s list for names of these. 
Other species of this genus are mostly of perennial climbing 
or trailing habit, and are fully dealt with in the section dealing 
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