Growing Flowers 181 



Before taking up a plant which is to be transplanted 

 thoroughly water the soil surrounding it that the 

 earth may the more readily adhere to the roots. 

 When plants are not set in the soil at once after 

 taking up, the roots and leaves should be moistened 

 and the plants set in a moist place until time to 

 plant. 



When plants come from a distance and the soil 

 adhering to the roots is hard and dry, or when the 

 earth has fallen away, place the plants in a tub of 

 water, enough to cover the whole root system, and 

 let stand for several hours before planting. It is 

 best to also pour water into the hole before setting 

 the plant in place. A good watering should also 

 be given when three fourths of the soil has been 

 placed around the plant. 



In lifting young plants for transplanting, always 

 use a trowel with a curved blade. A fork will cause 

 the earth to fall apart and a level trowel will dis- 

 turb the earth and to some extent unsettle the 

 roots. 



Before transplanting young plants from the green- 

 house or cold frame to the open ground, harden them 

 by giving them first a little fresh air, gradually 



