2QO AROUND THE YEAR IN THE GARDEN 



to stand still. A sudden chill may cause a heliotrope, 

 fuchsia, or lemon verbena to drop its leaves, without in the 

 least permanently injuring it. Plants that are quite dry 

 will stand colder temperature than if moist; and the same 

 is true if they are partly dormant rather than in active 

 growth. 



The plant room need not necessarily be proof against the 

 very coldest winter weather, In case of emergency several 

 thicknesses of newspaper placed just inside the glass, so as to 

 form a dead air space, will keep out extra severe cold; 

 and if this is not enough the plants can be huddled about 

 the stove or radiator for a night or two. 



Moisture the Most Difficult Problem 



The matter of moisture, which at first glance probably 

 seems the factor easiest to control, is the most difficult. 

 When " moisture" is spoken of in this connection, most 

 persons assume that it is merely the watering of the plants 

 which is meant. That in itself is not as simple a problem 

 as may at first appear; but it is not nearly so difficult 

 as the greater one of the moisture in the air, which directly 

 affects the health and condition of the plants. A dried- 

 out atmosphere is the most difficult disadvantage to over- 

 come in growing plants in the house. Houses heated by 

 steam and hot air are the most likely to be objectionable 

 in this respect. If plants are to be grown successfully under 

 such conditions, provision to counteract this dry atmosphere 

 must be made. Extra care in the matter of watering will 

 help to some extent, but that alone is not sufficient. Water 

 kept where it may evaporate freely, and thus to' some 

 extent re-saturate the dried-out air is very effective; keep 

 bowls or pans of water on the radiators or registers the 

 number of times you find it necessary to replenish them will 

 give you some idea of the amount of moisture that is burned 

 out of the atmosphere by such a heating system. Another 

 corrective is frequent ventilation; the new air is valuable not 

 only for the fresh supply of oxygen, but has a normal 



