The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1896-12-28
Feeding Plants.

Vicks' Magazine: The material that the
plant transforms into leaves and blossoms
is taken from the soil, and unless the sup.
ply is kept up the plant must suffer. II
cannot make something out of nothing
but must be supplied with fertilizers al
regular intervals to obtain the best re-
suits.
Plants that are grown in beds where
the roots are free to seek for food are
often enriched but once-at planting time
But when restricted to the narrow limits
of pot a little and often" is the rule.
If we would not check their growth we
lect for themselves. This is accomplished
in many ways. Pot shrubs and bulbs are
much benefited by removing the soil
down to the roots and replacing with
fresh earth. This method is recommended
for all plants that object to being often
disturbed.
Geraniums. chrysanthemums and all
plants of vigorous growth may. when
potted. be turned from the pot, half of
the ball removed. the pot filled above
the drainage to the required depth with
rich earth, and the ball returned. This
should be done as carefully as possible.
so as not to injure the fine roots unnec-
eSSarily. Also remove the top, if de-
sired, and refill with fresh earth If
properly done an immediate benefit will
be noticed in the renewed growth of the
plant.
1t is a wise precaution to have basket
of rich soil, prepared especially for this
purpose, in the cellar as winter arrives
1t will more than repay the trouble of
securing it.
Liquid manure is a common way of
providing plant food, but like all good
things. it must be handled with judgment.
1t must not be used too strong upon dry
soil or be allowed to touch the foliage.
To prepare it, take pail part full of
decayed manure and pour boiling water
over it-by using hot water the weed
seeds, if any, are destroyed, as also are
worms and insect life.
AA1A 1-d
off the water and before using reduce to
color of weak tea. At first, once a week
is often enough but as soon as the plants
become accustomed to the stimulant it
may be applied two and even three times
week, according to the nature of the
plant under treatment. SCOT tea is also
good for plants. giving them freshness
of foliage and a brilliancy of color that
is surprising. 1t is prepared in the same
manner as manure tea, and they may be
used together If desired SCOT tea is eS-
pecially recommended for roses. but is
beneficial to all other plants as We'll
In reporting plants little we'll rooted
manure may be placed directly above the
drainage, lightly covered with soil so the
roots may not come in contact with it
until established. Fill in around the ball
with soil mixed with manure. and when
the roots begin to explore the new soil
they will find the food suited to their
needs, and will not be slow to profit by
your generosity.
For people who find it impossible or in
convenient to prepare the manure tea,
so much used as a fertilizer. the pre-
pared plant foods of various brands are
found very useful. They seem to per-
fectly fill long-felt want. They are
pleasant to use and not bulky to handle;
they are sold at very reasonable rates,
with full directions for their use.
For people residing in cities, far from
woods and old meadows from which a
goodly supply of leafmold and rich sandy
loan are to be obtained. the potting soil
sold by many florists is very useful. 1t
just the right quantity of each
kind of soil and we'll decayed manure.
and is best adapted to the needs of plants
and bulbs. This is an opportunity not to
be neglected. for the florist understands
Just what is needed, and has prepared a
better mixture than could be formed by
an amateur.