balthis] WINDOW GARDENS 279 



and watered accordingly. Care must be exercised in watering 

 plants in small pots as they dry and very rapidly. Seedlings 

 should be given close attention at all times to avoid over watering 

 and subsequent loss from "damping off." "Damping off" is a 

 fungous growth caused by over watering. Plants grown in 

 window boxes require less water than those grown in pots as the 

 area of the soil is greater and it does not dry out so rapidly. 

 Potted plants growing in jardiniers should be removed when 

 watered and allowed to drain. When in a shady situation plants 

 require less water than when in direct sunlight. Plants in a 

 dormant condition need not be watered, though the soil should 

 not be dust dry, else the stems will shrivel away. Keep dormant 

 plants in the cellar with the temperature at about forty degrees. 

 When watering hanging baskets set them in a tub or bucket of 

 water, they may then be thoroughly soaked. Unhealthy, or 

 sick plants are greatly benefited by withholding water until they 

 have regained their vigor. The temperature of the surrounding 

 atmosphere must be considered when watering. Less water will 

 be required when plants are grown in a comparatively low tem- 

 perature, as evaporation is then slower. 



Window Boxes are probably the best for growing plants in the 

 schoolroom. The box should be about seven inches high and the 

 width and length to fit the window. Cleats placed on the bottom 

 will allow the air to circulate underneath the box. Holes must 

 be bored in the bottom to allow for perfect drainage. If the 

 boards show a tendency to warp, the box should be reinforced at 

 the ends by nailing on strips of tin or zinc. The box should be 

 painted before using, as the paint is a preventative against rot. 

 The planning and construction of window boxes is an interesting 

 and instructive diversion for the boys. 



Ventilation is another important detail in plant culture. On 

 all warm or bright days the window should be opened, preferably 

 from the top because the foul air ascends. Discretion must be 

 observed in cold weather, but one will soon learn to ventilate 

 without injury to the plants. 



Fertilizing Soil. It is a well known fact that soil becomes 

 exhausted if plants are grown in it for a long time, and in order to 

 keep the plants in a healthy condition the soil must be changed or 

 food in some available form administered. Growing plants 

 respond readily to manure steeped or soaked in water. Apply a 



