Soils 



where beets are grown as a crop preceding carnations, the latter are liable 

 to suffer from the stem rot. 



Some growers advocate the practice of using carnation soils on the 

 benches for two years. We have tried this to a limited extent, but the re- 

 sults have not been favorable. It may be that sterilization of soils, as de- 

 scribed in this chapter, with the addition of vegetable fiber to old bench soils, 

 will make it possible to utilize soils two or more years in succession ; in fact, 

 recent experiments in sterilizing old bench soil and using it a second year 

 indicate that it can be done to advantage. 



In the preparation of soils for either field or bench culture, commercial 

 fertilizers may be used in place of stable manure, but where such fertilizers 

 are employed it is important that the mechanical condition of the soil be 

 properly cared for by the addition of vegetable fiber. Commercial fertilizers 

 may also be scattered in the drills where the young carnations are to be 

 planted. Our practice has been to apply at the rate of 200 pounds of fertilizer 

 to the acre ; that is, where carnations are planted in rows twenty-four inches 

 apart. This is sown with a fertilizer machine immediately before the carna- 

 tions are planted. The machine used is one that thoroughly mixes the fer- 

 tilizer as it is sown with the soil in the drill. Care must be taken that the 

 fertilizer is spread evenly ; otherwise, some plants may suffer by getting too 

 large a quantity. 



Composition of Potting Soil for Young Plants 



The soil in which to pot carnation cuttings taken from the sand bench 

 should contain very little fertilizer. One of the best compositions we have 

 found consists of sod which has been pared off about four to five inches in 

 thickness and composted thoroughly without any manure. When the sod is 

 thoroughly decomposed, it should be run through a very coarse sieve. The 

 Florists' Supply Company's Sod Crusher answers the purpose very well. 



For the second potting, similar decomposed sod can be used, to which has 

 been added a small quantity of pulverized sheep dung, or any thoroughly well- 

 rotted manure. When shifting- young carnation plants, five-sixths sod and 

 one-sixth very old and well-decomposed manure is an excellent soil to use. 

 If the soil from which the sod is taken is of a clayey nature, the addition of 

 one-tenth to one-sixth, in bulk, of coarse sand will be found beneficial. In 

 preparing soil for carnations to be flowered in pots, a compost made of three- 

 fifths sod, one-fifth or even more of thoroughly well-rotted manure, one- 

 tenth leaf mold and one-tenth coarse sand, will give excellent results. The 

 quantitv of sand and leaf mold should be increased or decreased according 



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