Evening star., 1953-05-24

House plants need a vacation
just as members of the family.
If the family plans summer
trip. the plants might better be
placed in suitable quarters for
the summer so that there will be
no need to farm them out with
neighbors. Moreover, in a suit
able situation they will build UP
strength for next winters duty
indoors.
The first step in moving the
house plants into summer quar-
terS is to, repot. This chore
should be taken care Of in the
spring rather than in the fall be-
cause if done in the fall it will
set them back a bit when brought
indoors. Also. If pruning or di-
viding is needed it can be done
now and the plants will have re-
covered from the shock and will
be much more preSentable.
House plants neeG a suitable
soil mixture for best growth.
African violetS and gloxiniaS, to
mention only two, grow best in a
soil that is well supplied with
humus. Two parts of compost
or one of peat moss and one of
compost mixed with equal parts
of sand and garden loan pro-
vide suitable mixture for them.
Ferns need the compost and
leafmold, but omit the peat moss
for them. Geraniums and other
heavy rooted plants need more
loam and less leafmold or COM
post. Cactus and other Succu-
lents want the leafmold, sand.
loan and some bluestone chips
or ground limestone.
Firm the Soil Around Roots.
In repotting, it is seldom de-
sirable to remove the roots from
the old root-ball, but rather to
crush it and shake out some Of
the old soil. Then placing the
roots in a new. slightly larger
pot. work the proper soil mixture
in and around the roots. firming
1t as it is put into the pot. Fill
to within "a to l inch Of the
edge of the pot. This space is
needed in watering. When the
soil is firmed into place, water
thoroughly and shade the plants
for a few days until they have
recovered from the overhauling.
Selecting a place in the garden
for the summer vacationerS
should be done rather carefully.
Morning sun is good for the SUM-
lovers, but they might well be
protected from wind and tres
passers. Shade lovers, such as
ferns and African violets need
shade all day long. A bit OF
morning sun is often beneficial
but no midday or afternoon sun.
The resting spot should not be
In some out-of-the-way place
where they will be neglected dur
ing the summer. A nearby spot
Is best so that they can be seen
often enough to insure needed
care.
Leave the plants in the pots.
They will be happy enough if left
in the pots and there will not be
the shock of repotting just be-
fore coming indoors. Dig holes
for each pot. placing layer Of
cinders in the bottom to keep
worms at a distance and to in
sure good drainage. After the
pot is in place, and that means
buried almost to the top Of the
rim. fill the space between the
pot and the soil with soil or peat
moss. This will keep the pot
from drying and reduce the need
for supplemental water.
Use Protective Mulch.
With the pots in place, the
next step is a protective mulch
to keep weeds from encroaching
and to prevent loss of moisture.
Sawdust. ground corncobs. tan
bark. and other similar materials
that will discourage weeds as
we'll as protect the soil may be
used for this purpose. An inch
or two will be sufficient.
In some gardens protection
from Slugs and snails may be
necessary. Where needed, a pot
can be turned over one of the
prepared haits-leave a crack
for these pests to reach the bait.
It is attractive to them and SO