The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1882-01-21

LIQUID MANUREs FOR PLANTS IN POTs-The
importance of liquid manures in general cultiva-
ton is well known, but the cost of their applca-
ton on an extensive scale such as to farm crops,
furnishes a reason why this mode of fertilizing
is not more generally adopted. That the liquid
condition is the best form in which manures can
be presented to the roots of plants is evident
from the fact that they can only absorb nutri-
ment through the medium of water as all mat
tiers which enter into the interior of plants must
be in a soluble state or so infinitely divided as
to be carried along with water before they can
be available for the plant. In cultivating plants
where the amount of soil is limited to that con-
tanned in pot or tub the use of liquid manure
is of vast service judiciously applied, but much
harm may be done by its indiscriminate use.
Many persons are in the habit Of resorting to
guano-water and other similar solutions when
their plants appear sickly, and find no benefit
from the application, unless it be that of hasten
ing the death of the patient. Only plants in
perfect health are in a fit state to be benefited
by manures; but they may be growing slowly
from want of nutriment, and at the same time
be healthy enough, with an abundance of healthy,
hungry roots. Plants in this condition may
often be found among window and parlOr plants
as well as in the conservatory and greenhouse.
Plants that have been for years in the same pot,
such as oranges, camellias, Oleanders, and others
that are restricted in their growth from the roots
having occupied all the space allotted to them,
will be measurably improved by applications of
manure in liquid state during their season of
active growth. These applications are equally
servceable in the culture Of all greenhouse plants.
1t is well known that to secure the best results
with profuse Towering plants, such as geraniums,
cinnerarias Chinese primroses fuchsias &c, in
Dot culture, it is necessary to have them in the
condition technically known as pot-bound-that
is the pots crowded with roots. When brought
to this condition the vigorous growth of the
branches is checked and the formation of flower
ing buds is induced but when the flower buds
are expanding liberal supply of manure water
will increase the size, briliancy and permanency
of the blossoms. Rigid rules, to be rigidly fol-
lowed, are impracticable in plant culture, but in
general terms it may be stated that manurial
liquids may be applied when growth is active,
withheld during the time that flower buds are
forming and again used during the expansion
and duration of the blossoms. But caution must
be exercised in the applications and always use
the solution in a perfectly clear state Strong,
high-colored thick muddy water will do more
harm than good; it obstructs the pores Of the
soil and prevents the free access of atmospheric
gases to the roots; and, most important of all,
the drainage of the soil should be perfect
Almost any substance that has manurial prop
critics and will dissolve readily may be rendered
useful All greenhouses should be supplied with
convenient barrels with water into which por-
ton of the sweepings of the stables may be mixed
A convenient strainer and faucet will of course
be necessary part of the arrangement.