CHAPTER XIII 

 STAGE OR BENCH SYSTEM OF CULTIVATION 



THIS method of cultivation originated in America, where it 

 is practised more generally than any other system. Within 

 the last few years it has been largely adopted by market- 

 growers and others in this country. If great quantities of 

 cut flowers are the first consideration, it is an excellent 

 system, and the most simple way of producing them. I 

 have seen several instances where ordinary span-roofed 

 greenhouses have been converted into Carnation houses, 

 and the central and side stages, with very little trouble, 

 made into Carnation benches. Except in the case of very 

 lofty or heavily-built houses, the plants succeed well, and 

 produce a continuous supply of flowers over a long period. 

 The sides of the benches consist of an 8-inch by 2-inch 

 board, or thin slate slabs of a similar depth, screwed or 

 fastened together at the corners, making a frame-work to 

 contain the soil for the Carnations. It is important to see 

 that the side benches are not too close to the roof, other- 

 wise the flowering shoots will become injured by crowding 

 against the glass. If it is not convenient to lower the side 

 stages, this difficulty may, to a certain extent, be overcome 

 by planting the two back rows with varieties of dwarf habit. 

 See that the benches are well drained, by placing a 2-inch 

 layer of crocks or cinders over the bottom, which should 

 be perforated to allow the water to pass away freely. The 



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