Gladiolus Studies — II 243 



Betscher (1914a) gives the following excellent suggestions regarding 

 seed beds: 



Presuming that one has good soil to begin with the next step is the right handling 

 of it. Where possible to do so, it is very good to have the plot planted to clover — alsike 

 planted about July 15 or rye later on — and given a good mulching of manure, but 

 not heavy enough to ruin it. This will feed the clover and leave the ground in extra 

 fine shape. When severe freezing sets in about November 15, or later in an open winter, 

 spade the plot about eight inches deep, turn so top soil and clover is at bottom, leaving 

 rough so that freezing will penetrate deeply. About January when an open spell comes 

 as soon as it gets colder and the top is frozen two or three inches deep, dig this plot 

 up with mattock or pick about three to four inches deep so that it will freeze deeply, 

 leave as rough as possible. We do this a number of times during the winter but not 

 after severe freezing is at an end. . . . When a severe change to colder, about 

 March 15 or later rake it level, and even if a bit wet the freezing will leave it very fine. 

 This will bring out early weeds so that when the soil is ready to plant about April 15 

 or later it may be hoed and raked thoroughly. It will be in fine shape to plant any 

 time after April 15 in central Ohio. 



Granting that the soil is in very fine condition — perfectly level — we now begin 

 to plant. Very often ground is not what it should be, and seedlings do not turn out 

 well. For this reason we plant several rows of large bulbs alongside and if soil is wrong 

 the large bulbs also will show it. 



Our iDeds are about forty feet long. We take several eight inch boards to walk on. 

 Then take a wide flat shovel and scoop out the soil about three-quarters to one inch 

 deep. Make perfectly level with back of rake. Make beds from four inches to twenty- 

 four inches wide. Plant seed quite thick so ground is covered ; then scoop soil and cover 

 seed carefully. We level carefully before moving boards ahead so rain does not form 

 puddles on the beds. In this way we plant thirty-five to fifty pounds of seed. 



These beds may be covered with old carpets, old sacks or burlaps, and left on until 

 plants are two inches high. Mats or straw may be used. 



Until seed is pretty well up it should be kept damp say for four or five weeks after 

 planting. Water evenly and thoroughly. 



Whenever the beds partially dry out we give them a thorough watering. Never let 

 the seedling bed get dry. 



We prefer watering very early in the morning, but in hot dry weather about sun- 

 down. When done thoroughly it may be done any time during the day. 



Planted so thickly it soon requires feeding. We have a heap of well rotted manure 

 to which has been added bone flour, wood ashes, soot and lime mixed one part to which 

 we add two parts good soil — mix thoroughly — sieve through fine sieve and put evenly 

 through the plants about June 20 and July 15. This must be done with care. We 

 water as fast as we get several beds mulched so ammonia, etc., does not escape. Do 

 not put on too thickly. 



Go over the plants often. Do not let weeds get a start; once a week is best. 



When planted April 1 5 to April 30, they will be ripe enough to dig August 15. Earliest 

 types August i — latest types about August 30. 



Do not sieve or rub much. We loosen the soil with a stiff trowel then pull the plants 

 out, sieving the balance lightly, although it is better to pick out all that do not pull out. 



Put in shallow boxes about two inches deep, then put in a dry cool shed or cellar. 

 Do not leave where winds or drying occurs as often they harden easily, especially so 

 when bruised in sieving. Rub roots off lightly when ready to plant. 



Do not keep near fire heat as they deteriorate greatly. 



Plant about April 10 to May 15 three inches deep below soil level. Draw the rake 

 through them when coming up. Do this every week or after every rain until plants 

 are about eight inches high. Keep soil loose about them until August. Many perish 

 if ground becomes crusty. 



Thomann sows his seeds in flat trap's in early March and takes the 

 trays out of doors when the weather permits. The plants shotild be 

 disturbed as little as possible. Van Fleet uses six-inch pots, or if sowing 



