THE GROWING OF PLANTS IN POTS 23 



after they have formed roots. Finally, put in moist sand 

 and pack closely until the pot is filled to within one 

 fourth of an inch of the top; then water thoroughly 

 with a garden sprinkler. 



Planting slips. A stick, called a dibble, about six 

 inches long and having its diameter a little larger than 

 that of the slips to be planted, should be used to make 

 the holes. For geranium slips four inches in length 

 make holes two inches deep, in rows one 

 and one-half inches apart, straight across 

 the pot. Make the holes one and one-half 

 inches apart in the row, but let them 

 alternate with those in adjacent rows. 

 The holes may be close to the sides of the 

 pot, but they should be made so that the 

 slips will stand vertically after planting. 

 Have all the slips prepared and sorted 

 before beginning to plant. Place small Fic 17 ADibble 

 ones on the outside and large ones in 

 the center of the pot so that the whole will have a 

 neat appearance after the work is completed. 



Begin planting in the holes farthest away. The slips 

 should reach to the bottom of the holes, and the edges 

 must not be injured. With a finger on each side of the 

 slip, press the soil down firmly. By planting across the 

 pot and setting the slips in the rows farthest away first, 

 the danger of loosening those already in place is reduced 

 to a minimum. This method also makes it easier to 

 grade the sizes. 



