CKLA^I^TER VI. 
Propagation from Seeds, Cuttings, etc. 
At present most of our Wimlow Gardens in cities are filled with plants bought 
from the florist. Of course one half do not know how they are grown, and hence 
do not well know how to take care of them. 
Every window gardener, it seems to us, should understand the first principles 
of i)lant life, and learn for himself liow they are propagated. 
Nearly all plants that are desirable for window gardening can be raised either 
from seeds, cuttings or by grafting. Bulbous roots are propagated cliiefly from 
offsets, and the new varieties are produced from the seeds. Other plants are also 
increased by ofisets or separating the roots, but their number is comi)aratively 
Ararmth, moisture, proper temperature and a soil suitable to promote the 
sprouting of the germ, and a sliady situation until the seeds have swelled, are 
essential to the vegetation of seeds. 
For window plants a greater degree of warmth is needful. Unless the air is from 
60" to 70°, and some bottom heat is supplied, your success will not satisfy you. 
Seeds of tender plants require hot house treatment. Moisture must not be with 
held at any time; yet, if it is in excess, the seeds are apt to decay before they 
sprout. A thick piece of flannel wet with hot water, and laid over the soil and 
pressed lightly down upon it, will ensure the needfal moisture, warmth and 
darkness. Warm water should be given over it, letting it permeate slowly 
through it. Tt must be lifted daily to see if the tender seeds are starting ; the 
flannel must be removed before the leaves appear, and a pane of glass which will 
exactly cover the seed box or pot placed closely over them. 
Too deep planting is a fruitful cause of failure with amateur seed raisers. The 
depth of the soil must be proportioned to the size of the seed. Petunias, Primu- 
las, etc., require the least spiinkhng of sandy loam. 
A good general rule is to cover the seed only to the thickness of their own 
diameter, yet this would not hold good with Sweet Peas, for they grow better 
when planted three inches in depth. 
With very fine seeds it is best to press thera lightly into the surface of the soil 
with the fingers, then shade from the sun three or four days either with cloth or 
newspapers, ai"4 sprinkle over the coverings, not letting them become dry at all, 
r-jt not tjlUnrj ',he germ of the seeds by too much water. 
'^.f',s^ f/'^. '/ plant culture fail by sowing their seeds in soil that is too wet or 
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