The Delaware ledger., 1883-08-25
Horticulture.

which accumulates on plant pots is al
ways injurious to the plant "a bright
pot makes healthy plant" !" is the gar
dener's rule. This green covering is
an alga, plant closely related to the
sea weed. 1t acts much in the same
way as glazing would ac; in stopping
the pores of the pot and allowing no
circulation of air. 1t should be scrub
be off as often as it appears with sand
and water.
In setting plants make the ground
mellow and rich with manure for con-
siderable space around where the roots |
are placed, so they may have chance |
to reach out. The roots should have
ample room; do not cramp them.
When the earth is well drawn up
around the plant, place your feet care
fully on each side of it, and ''firm" the
earth down solidly. This will greatly
increase the chance of its living, as it
prevents the soil from drying down to
the roots.
Begonias in summer she uld have
cool, shaded situation. The best plan
we have ever seen adopted was a small
lattice house, made entirely out of laths
: placed half an inch apart, sides and top
t alike; benches were arranged on either
g side, the same as in an ordinary green
r | h,ttga thaoa fha p1antu
e placed, and all the interstices filled with
e sphagnum. There the plants thrived
: most luxuriantly we have never seen
t greenhouse plants in summer look bet
!, ter, If as we'll Not only was this the
= congenial home of the begonia, but all
d kinds Of ferns, coleus and many other
e plants grown expressly for exhibition
e purposes were here to be seen in the
1t BEST possible condition. This was the
st work of an amateur, and when his
= plants were placed besides those of the
Of professional florist, the latter was com
ID pletely used up.
AZ Care should be taken to see that
o. plants in pots are given good drainage
This is best secured by putting lot o
~ broken bricks or pieces of broken pot
D. in the bottom of the flower-pot. Thes
T. pieces should be as large as hazel-nu
III or even larger Over these pieces som
aS dried moss, sphagnum or peat should b
II placed, or even handful of dried grass
IL if nothing better can be had. This vii
eu prevent the earth from falling anon
IL the fragments and will insure complet
De drainage. 1t is supposed, of course
OIL that the regular tlower-pots are use
m' with hole at the bottom for the escap
ne of the water. If box or other vesst
hc be used hole should be made in tn
lty bottom. Persons who have never trie
oil the above method will be surprised wit
'h- the difference it will make in thei
plants. The earth in the pots shoul
oSS be kept moist, but not wet, soggy, ne
cold.
AL Much care should be exercised
- watering house plants. Most housewiv,
I've follow the practice of soaking the SC
ain once day or less, and then letting
ent dry out until it becomes hard. TIL
vas stiff, hard and unyielding character
&C. the soil in pots is not usually conduci'
er. to the growth of plants. The ear
nat should be kept loose by liberal SdditiC
ak, of vegetable mold, such as can be o
old tanned under the leaves in an old fore
no. or in many neglected fence rows. F
of most plants third or a half of the s,
to may be mold, which must be well mix
ght with the heavier earth. Then give go
the drainage by employing unglazed pc
ace with holes in the bottom, and by placi
ion handful of broken bricks or crocke
The in the bottom, and over it lay sphagnu
ned or other moss or peat. Do not wat
in heavily. The soil should not be &C
BILE, and soggy. Apply water frequent
ion but avoid soaking The leaves of t
t plant should also be frequently spraye
had especially if evaporation goes on rap
lied ly.