ROCK GARDENS

Rock, Marsh, Shrubs in the Garden
Plants 2

Most alpine plants can be raised from seed sown under glass, and the Sowing Seeds in a Frame. The seeds may be sown in a frame in exactly the same way as described for sowing in pans or boxes; the frame should be in a sheltered position, as it is essential to ventilate as much as possible when the weather is sunny and sufficiently calm. Pricking-off the Seedlings. When the seedlings are sufficiently large to handle, they must be pricked-off an inch or more apart so that the leaves do not touch, and should be transplanted into boxes of light, sandy soil, which are again put in a position some six inches from the lights. An ordinary wooden seed label will be found very useful in raising the young seedlings from the soil. It should be inserted in the soil an inch or so from the seedling, whose roots may then be gently levered up without damage--never should seedlings be pulled up between the finger and thumb, as this will sorely damage the roots. The seedlings should be transplanted so that the first pair of leaves show just above the soil. They must be set in firmly and should have the soil pressed tightly down round the roots and stems, though care must be taken not to injure any part of the seedling. A thin dibble about the size of a lead pencil should be used to make the holes for the seedlings, and these must not be made too deep or the roots of the seedlings will not reach the bottom, and the 'air-pockets left under them will wither the roots. Do not "firm" the seedlings by pressing the earth round the stems with the fingers, but use the dibble, inserting it into the soil, in three or four places round the seedlings, about half an inch from them, and to the same depth as when preparing the holes. This will firm the soil all round the seedlings, right down to the bottom of the roots; the fingers would only press in the surface soil and the roots would be left loose.

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