WHEN SHALL IVE PLANT? II9 



garden bed is near where the layer plants are growing, the 

 latter can be taken up with earth clinging to their roots, 

 and thus have all the advantages of potted plants. Even 

 under the Southern sun, hundreds of acres are, in this man- 

 ner, set annually in the vicinity of Charleston. 



As the autumn grows cool and moist, layer plants can be 

 obtained from a distance and set out profitably in large 

 quantities. The chief danger in late planting results from 

 the tendency of the plants to be thrown out of the ground 

 by the action of the frost, and a few varieties do not seem 

 sufficiently hardy to endure severe cold. I obviate this 

 difficulty by simply hoeing upon the plants two inches of 

 earth, just before the ground freezes in November or 

 December. This winter covering of soil enables me to 

 plant with entire success at any time in the fall — even late 

 in November — instead of spring, when there is a rush of 

 work. The earth is raked off the plants in March or 

 April, as soon as severe freezing weather is over ; otherwise 

 they would decay. Do not first put manure on the plants 

 and then cover with earth — cover with earth only. 



Thus it will be seen that each period has its advantages, 

 which will vary with different seasons. If drought and heat 

 come in early May, spring-set plants may suffer badly. 

 Again, periods in summer and autumn may be so hot and 

 dry that even potted plants can only be kept alive by 

 repeated waterings. My practice is to divide my plantings 

 about equally between summer, fall, and spring. I thus take 

 no chances of failure. 



