74 PICTORIAL PRACTICAL CARNATION GROWING. 
It is hardly likely that the ball of the young plant will require 
interference when it is shaken out of its small pot, but if the outside 
soil is sour crumble it away gently with the drainage. In potting, 
first put in a little of the compost, and make it moderately firm by 
pressing with the fingers; then put the plant into position, and 
while keeping it steady with one hand drop the soil around it with 
the other, making the mould quite firm round the ball. A small 
potting stick is useful, as the soil can be made firmer than it can 
with the fingers. 
This potting should be done at the end of February or the begin- 
ning of March, and the plants replaced in a frame, which may-be 
kept closed for afew days. There will be no need for daily waterings 
at this period of the year; indeed, if the soilis kept saturated new 
roots will push very slowly. At the first sign of growth, which will 
be an indication that the plant is established in its new pot, give air 
freely. The grower should resist any temptation to push the plants 
on in heat. They do not need it, and will be the worse for it. 
As to whether the plants are potted singly, in pairs, or in threes, 
convenience may have its say. The expense of large pots is a 
deterrent to some amateurs. Those who specialise, and have some 
little reason to hope for prize money, will probably face the cost, and 
practise the orthodox plan of having pairs in an 8-inch pot, or threes 
ina 9-inch. In any case the principles of potting are the same, and 
CULTURE IN POTS FOR EXHIBITION. FIG. 33 (NEXT PAGE).—POTTING 
IN SPRING INTO THE FLOWERING POTS. 
Potting singly. A, section of 7-inch pot for a strong plant: a, drainage ; 
b, layer of the rougher parts of the compost or moss; ¢, soil; d, height 
to which the soilis to be placed and made firm, thus bringing the collar 
of the plant very slightly below the rim; e¢, ball; ~f, soil placed round 
the ball after placing the plant in position and pressing it down 
moderately tirm ; g, space for water ; 4, plant; 7, collar or junction of 
the plant with the soil ; /, grass ; /, central or main growth, from which 
the flower stem springs. 
B, section of 6-inch pot into which a moderately vigorous plant is. placed; 
the references are the same as for A. 
C, section of 5-inch pot with small or weakly plant properly potted; the 
references are the same as for A. The only difference in B and C is the 
depth of the drainage and the space for holding water. 
Potting in pairs, D, section of 9-inch pot: /, crock; m, drainage ; x, soil; 
0, Space for water; y, ball of soil, not broken; g, a pair of the very 
strongest plants. 
EK, a pair of medium or moderately vigorous plants in an 8-inch pot. A 
small or weakly pair of plants should be placed in a 7-inch pot. 
Potting in threes. F, 9-inch pot partly in section: 7, crock; s, drainage ; 
t, soil; «, space for water; », plants. 
G, three medium plants from 2}- or 3-inch pots, properly potted into an 
8-inch pot. Small or weakly plants should be placed three in a 
7-inch pot. 
