The two most significant factors in outdoor sowing are soil quality and drainage. Texture is of greater significance in germinating seeds than soil fertility. A combination of equivalent parts of good soil, coarse sand and peat moss makes a fine bed. The underside of the seed pan should be filled with gravel or shards of old flowerpots.

The seed should be sown as evenly as possible. As soon as the sowing has been finished, and the soil lightly tamped down, the pan or flat should be engrossed in water until the surface shows dark and moist. Excess moisture is then allowed to drain off. This is far better to overhead watering.

The box should not be allowable to dry out until after the seeds have germinated. Germination will be hastened if the pan is placed in a warm, dark place. As soon as germination takes place, the seedlings should be located in full light. Shredded sphagnum moss is the best standard for seed germination. Use of it prevents any likelihood of "damping-off," which is a vital threat to all seeds.

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