Calendar of Operations 



All plant food and mulchings that are to be given during the fall should be 

 finished up in this month, as during the month of December, especially when 

 the days are dark and cloudy, little fertilizer should be afforded. 



December 



This is the most critical month for the carnation grower, as it is the 

 natural resting period of the carnation. The days are short, much of the 

 weather is cloudy and dark, and great care is needed in ventilating, heating 

 of the houses, and in watering. The same care and treatment of the carna- 

 tion houses recommended for November applies to December. A cold, damp 

 atmosphere is the worst enemy of flowering plants, and should be avoided at 

 all times. A moderately warm, fresh buoyant atmosphere, supplied with 

 fresh air whenever it is possible to admit it, is always best for the carna- 

 tion. "Ventilation, even if but a crack can be allowed," should be the 

 watchword. Remember, that on bright, sunny days the temperature may run 

 comparatively high. From 65 to 70 degrees might be considered the normal 

 temperature for carnations upon bright days, but in dark, cloudy weather, 56 

 to 65 degrees is all that should be allowed. The cooler the temperature can 

 be kept and active growth maintained, the better it is for the plants. The 

 grower will get larger and more perfect flowers, with stronger stems ; the 

 blooms will be brighter in color, and the constitution and vigor of the plants 

 will be better maintained by cool treatment, than by higher, or forced, tem- 

 peratures maintained by artificial heat. 



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