If you have a wooden house and want vines on walls, it is a good idea to construct a detachable trellis, hinged at bottom so that it can swing outward when painting is going on. There will be sufficient flexibility in tendrils to allow this.

Planting Vines

If you are planting annuals, ordinary digging in well-drained soil should suffice. But if you are planting perennials, you will want to plant them as well as any shrub; remember that if they are planted close to foundation, soil may be poor initially and may need preparation. The hole should be at least 2 feet square. Break up bottom soil and mix in bone meal, peat moss, etc.

If you are planting near house, be careful to place vine far enough from overhanging eaves so that water will not drip on leaves. In winter weather, wet leaves can freeze in evening and crack. Also, if vines are placed against a sunny wall they will get reflective heat, and so they should receive extra watering in hot weather.

In no case should they be sown more than 1 inch deep. The seeds of larger plants which have a strong growth, such as sunflowers, can be planted in hills spaced from 2 to 4 feet apart. Often, annuals are planted in rows. This method is used when a cutting garden is being grown. To do this, dig a shallow trench not more than 1 inch deep with a trowel, or your fingers, and then place seed in trench.

Sow more seed than appears necessary, and then trim out after plants appear above ground. Thinning is required, in any event, for a good crop of annuals, if only to insure sufficient room for each plant. Transplanting is a considerable shock in life of a plant, and unless it is carefully done, plant will die. It is a good idea to expose coldframes and potted seeds to outside air for a time before transplanting, in order to prevent shock.

All soil in frame or pot should be used when transplanting. Transplanting should be done on a cloudy, damp day, if possible. If soil is dry, it should be watered before transplanting, and then thoroughly after plants are in ground. If day is sunny, some sort of shade should be provided for newly transferred plants. As soon as plants are established, these protective coverings can be removed.