The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-04-30
InocuIatinK the soIl

InoculatinE tho Soil The treatment consists in introduc-
 ing Into the soil certain bacteria that
 will thrive and establish colonies on
 the roots of a given species of le-
 guminous plant, such as COW peas. 1 soy beans. peanuts, clovers, common 1 beans, peas, etc. Inoculation may be
 brought about by transferring or ap- plying soil from a known inoculated
 section to any other. The cheapest
 way is to purchase pure cultures of
 the specific bacteria required, and proceed according to directions. For
 tunately the cultures are cheap, so if failure Is met with the outlay has not been very considerable. Failures
 may be due, but not often. to inert bacteria or improper methods of pro- cedure; but the truth Is that the con
 dition of the soil into which the bac- teria is introduced. is the main de- termining factor.
 Bacteria are living plants. and in
 order to enter the roots. form nod
 ules and establish colonies. living
 conditions must be right. What are good living conditions? The answer | is a sweet condition of the soil, an adequate supply of soil humus,
 moisture, drainage and frequent cul- | tivation.
 PrOpagadng Gerantuma Many ladies will possess one or
 more fine geraniums and would like to increase their stock, but few realize how easily it may be done
 The propagation of geraniums is simple and hardly ever Is attempted without success.
 Prepare box or bed of coarse sand. to which is mixed about one fourth of leaf mould or good woods earth or surface soil. After firming this mixture into the bed or con tainer. 1t is ready for the cutting. The proper cutting for the purpose is the stout and sturdy top end of a strong shoot or branch, with three
 or four well defined joints, and from two to four inches long. Plant cut ting into the soil so one or two joints are below the surface, keep moist and protected from direct sun rays. In about 10 or 12 days they will be
 rooted and may be reset in pots or where wanted. The cutting may be rooted directly in small pots, then transferred to larger pots containing
 suitable soil. Such cuttings flower more freely than the parent plant, and if kept pinched back. will form
 low growing dense plants. very de-
 sirable form.
 Mildew on Plants | Nearly every day brings some in
 quiry to The Age Herald, describing disease affecting their roses and peach trees that is easily identified
 with mildew. Few people seem to
 realize how destructive mildew may become, and not many know, that
 this disease when once established and not destroyed, will stay with the
 plant indefinitely. manifesting itself from time to time when conditions are favorable for it's development.
 The first symptoms appear as white irregular blotches on stems, young shoots, on buds and often on both the under side and top of leaves. causing them to usually curve up- ward. The new growth is the part
 most affected. This disease is easily
 controlled if prompt measures are taken.
 Dusting with common sulphur one or more times is very effective. Spraying with lime sulphur, made by mixing three pounds dry lime sul- phur in 50 gallons water will destroy and if three pounds of copperas be added to the mixture. it becomes more effective.
 A preparation made in Birming m called go" dust is very effective against mildew and is also a univer-