PLANTING OUT IN BEDS, ETC. 45 



them and putting them in a much fitter condition for plant- 

 ing out. It is almost unnecessary to add that they should 

 be placed in a cool and shady position when received. 

 Unfortunately many specialists, when sending out plants, 

 remove almost every particle of soil, leaving only the 

 mass of roots. If plenty of wet moss is used in the 

 packing they will keep fairly fresh, but they are much 

 less satisfactory to plant, and take longer to get into 

 condition and to establish themselves. When ordering 

 plants, therefore, the best plan is to request the specialist 

 to leave as large a ball of soil on as possible. When 

 this is done the plants will arrive quite fresh and quickly 

 become established. 



In planting those with little soil attached, the roots 

 should be well spread out and plenty of the gritty 

 compost used. Care should be taken that they are 

 planted quite firmly. 



If the ground be at all dry or the weather hot, plenty 

 of water should be given, but if the soil be damp, it 

 should be withheld until the plants need it. 



Protection from the weather should be afforded plants 

 that have been newly set out : from the sun if it is at 

 all strong, and from frosts. An inverted flower pot 

 serves the purpose admirably. It should be removed 

 on all possible occasions, and so soon as the plants 

 have been established, its use should be dispensed with 

 altogether. 



In the early Spring, east winds are apt to cause 

 disastrous consequences, and protection from these 

 should be given as much as possible. Pots, pans, 

 baskets, lengths of board, etc., will be found most useful 

 on such occasions. 



If the planting has been done in the Autumn, it is well 

 to give the plants a good mulching with well-rotted 

 manure. This will help them through the Winter and 

 early Spring, and the grower should be rewarded 



