BENCHES FOR CARNATIONS 221 



KINDS OF BENCHES 



What is the best type of bench? This is an open 

 question. We beheve that pecky cypress benches, with 

 bearers running longitudinally and bottom boards cross- 

 wise, will give the best and most economical bench for the 

 commercial grower. The approximate price of an all- 

 cypress (not pecky) bench in large houses is 22c. per sq. ft. 

 erected. Such a bench will, with proper care, last at 

 least eight years. Of course, the cypress bench needs more 

 attention at the end of each season. Some growers con- 

 tend that the wood bench is a great harbor for sowbugs. 

 The risk of bench fungus is ever present, too. Yet only in 

 advanced stages of decay does the former apply, and the 

 latter is a negligible quantity if the benches are thoroughly 

 washed down with a good force of water, and a coating of 

 hmewash is apphed. 



In some locaHties, notably in Pennsylvania, the dearth 

 and expense of requisite materials to build concrete benches 

 makes them prohibitive. Then should it become neces- 

 sary to utihze the house for different subjects or if building 

 or remodelhng is necessary, the concrete beds that are made 

 solid would have co be broken up at considerable expense. 



Unquestionably the best bench for Carnation growing 

 is made of iron and tile, such as is generally used in private 

 gardens, but the initial cost and upkeep make this pro- 

 hibitive for the florist. 



The next best bench, and which is the nearest approach 

 to the iron and tile, is the raised bench having porous tile 

 bottoms and either concrete or wood sides. Most growers 

 agree that Carnations planted in raised benches can be 

 more easily manipulated and taken care of as regards 

 watering and attention. 



