GROW PERENNIALS 
soil over the seed so that immediate contact can 
be made with the soil moisture. In the case of 
columbine, give the soil an extra-firming to get 
best germination. 
Right Amount of Moisture Important 
Spread damp burlap over the seed bed after 
planting, keeping it moist but not too wet, until 
the seeds begin to come up. As soon as sprouting 
begins, remove the burlap. At this stage a covering 
made of lath laid crosswise, with spacing the width 
of the lath, is practical. Spread the burlap over the 
lath for a few days until the seedlings are all up. 
Continue to water gently, using a very fine spray. 
Never let the soil dry out. Too much water at this 
time, however, is likely to cause damping off. 
Shelter and Shade Essential 
Shelter from strong winds and shade during the 
heat of the day are necessary to the seed bed at 
all times. Locating the bed on the north side of a 
building is sometimes ideal. Under trees is usually 
not so good because of the drip after rains. Either 
a canopy of cheesecloth or the lath covering will 
provide shade from hot sunshine and protection 
from wind and driving rains all through the 
period of young growth. The covering should be 
removable so that the seedlings can get sun and 
air during the cooler part of the day. 
How to Transplant Seedlings 
If planted in late May or June, the young plants 
can be set in the border or garden when they are 
two or three inches tall. Lift them out one at a 
