26 



SCHOOL AND HOME GARDENS 



pots should be shifted to pots a size larger the second 

 year. Geraniums in five-inch pots are excellent for school- 

 room windows. They will form roots enough to grow con- 

 siderable foliage and 

 will also bloom well. 

 If large plants are de- 

 sired, select slips from 

 tall-growing varieties 

 and increase the size 

 of the pot from year 

 to year. Some kinds 

 may be made to grow 

 five or six feet high. 



Water the plant two 

 or three hours before it 

 is to be shifted. Place 

 drainage material and 

 enough soil in the pot 

 to raise the ball of 

 earth to within half an 

 inch of the top. In- 



FIG. 19. Section of a Flowerpot, showing Vert the P ot Containing 

 how a Geranium is potted 



The potting stick is used in packing the earth 

 about the plant 



the geranium, hold- 

 ing the plant, with its 

 ball of soil and roots, 

 in one hand. Strike the edge of the pot against a table, 

 remove the plant, and pick out the drainage material 

 if it adheres to the roots. Without breaking the ball, 

 set the plant in the larger pot and fill soil around it 



