CHAPTER IX 



Lifting and Planting Carnations from the Field 



THE proper time for lifting carnations from the field, and planting under 

 glass, will vary with the varying climatic conditions in different 

 localities, so that each individual grower must decide by practical ex- 

 periment at which time the work can be most favorably done in his locality. 

 In some places lifting is commenced as early as the middle of July, while in 

 other sections, according to the varying climatic conditions existing through- 

 out the United States, the operation is extended to as late as October i. In 

 the latitude of New York, from the loth of July to the ist of September 

 may be taken as the average time for lifting, and planting under glass. 



Filling the Benches 



Granted that the soil heaps are in proper condition (see Preparation of 

 Soil, Chapter IX.), it will be of considerable benefit to turn over the soil once 

 again, about a week or ten days before the benches are to be filled. Where a 

 small area of bench surface is to be filled, the soil may be carried into the 

 greenhouses in light baskets, or small boxes fitted w^ith handles. But where 

 the quantity of soil to be handled is large, much time will be gained by using 

 larger boxes or baskets, or wheelbarrows. 



Planks are rigged up, running from the soil heap through the door at 

 the end of the houses, and on to and down the center bench. A parallel plank 

 is laid about every twenty-five feet, to form a turn-out, so that the wheelers 

 may pass each other. The accompanying illustration of filling the green- 

 houses shows the method of arranging the planking on the benches. Three 

 to four men are employed with wheelbarrows, and one man is stationed at 

 the soil pile with a shovel, to help fill the empty barrows as they return. An 

 additional shovel enables each wheeler to assist in filling his own barrow. 

 Two men are placed at the bench where the soil is being dumped. Each 

 of these men has a shovel, and as fast as dumped the soil is turned over and 

 thrown back, filling the bench evenly and firming down the soil, so that 

 there will be no holes, or soft spots, and the soil will be of an even density 



