110 



GARDEN GUIDE 



in most parts of New York State, New England and the Central 

 West. The soils best adapted to Dahhas are those which are somewhat 

 sandy, but they will grow on heavy clay. The regions which are in- 

 fluenced more or less by the ocean, that is, where cool nights are preva- 

 lent, are perhaps the most noted for DahHa growing, especially Long 

 Island, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Maryland and Massachusetts in 

 the East, and without a doubt the best Dahlias we have ever seen were 

 in British Columbia, Northern California, Washington and Oregon. 

 Heavy soils may be lightened by coal ashes, sand, and coarse manure. 

 Sandy and lighter soils will benefit by manure or clay to make them 

 more moisture-retaining. Nitrogenous fertilizers are rarely applied, 

 because they cause too great vegetative growth and a retarding of the 

 flowering period. 





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Hedge of Dahlias sorrounding a typical home in Victoria, B. G. 



Starting the Tubers 



The tubers should be started about April 1st in a warm, light room, 

 merely placing them in a shallow box of sand or hght soil. When the 

 young shoots begin to show, they should be so cut that one or two eyes 

 are allowed to remain on each piece; the eyes start from the collar 

 (see Contents Plant Propagation.) 



Time and Distance of Planting 



They may be planted late in April or May, according to the season. 

 It is better to set them out late than too early. As the Dahlia makes 

 a large plant it should be given plenty of room; even four feet by four 



