GROWING FLOWERS FROM SEEDS 
Continued from page 93 
(C) Sow in cold frame or in protected or lath shaded spot that 
can be kept moist and undisturbed over a long period. This method 
is used for slow germinating seed, some of which require months 
to sprout. Plant as in (B) preparing soil as in (A). During the 
spring, summer and fall, water often enough to prevent soil from 
drying out. A mulch of peat or pulverized sphagnum moss will 
help retain moisture. In winter to afford protection, cover with 
leaves. Have patience with slow germinating subjects; do not dis- 
turb too quickly. Any live seed will eventually grow if given time 
enough, provided soil, moisture supply, etc., are right. When seed- 
lings appear and make true leaves, transplant to pots, nursery row 
or permanent location. If moss forms on soil surface, sprinkle 
fresh earth over top. 
(D) Sow indoors in boxes or flats (pictured top page 4). These 
should be of convenient size and about 3 inches deep. The soil used 
should be composed of about equal parts of leaf mold, sharp sand 
and good garden soil. The bottom of the flat may be covered with 
a layer of course gravel, broken pots or some such material, and 
the prepared soil finely sifted to fill up the balance of the box 
within about an inch of the top. Saturate with boiling water and 
let dry for 24 hours or until the right texture for making shallow 
furrows in which to plant the seed. Place in a window where ex- 
posed to the sun and cover with a pane of glass to retard evapora- 
tion. Water carefully with a fine spray, keeping the soil moist but 
not wet. Remove the glass after the plants are up. Or cover with 
wet paper which should be kept wet until seeds germinate, then — 
promptly remove the paper. Some flower seeds are very slow to 
germinate, so be sure to allow sufficient time without disturbing 
soil. Too much watering will result in tall, weak plants. When the 
seedlings are large enough to handle, about four leaves, they should 
be transplanted one inch apart in another bed, flat or in small pots 
(paper pots are excellent for this purpose), later to be reset in the 
open ground. See page 65 for information regarding blocking the 
plants. 
(E) Sow in hotbed. This is the best way to start plants that are 
to be transplanted if greenhouse is not available. (See page 6 for 
construction.) We recommend use of Gro-Quick Electric Seed Bed 
Heater listed page 6. Prepare soil as in (A) and sow as in (B). 
(F) Time of planting—March or early spring. 
(G) Time of planting outdoors, after all danger of frost is over 
and the soil warm, usually about May 10. 
(H) Time of planting indoors, or under glass—March or very 
early spring for transplanting after danger of frost is over. 
Blooming period of most flowers can be greatly extended by fre- 
quent evening irrigations. There is a tendency to “go to seed” if 
soil becomes dry. 
ae 
The. onion weeders listed page 73 
94 1 are fine for weeding flower gardens. 
