CUT-FLOWER CROPS 235 



selected for planting in the same bench. If there are not 

 enough of one size to fill the bench, a second selection is 

 made for the remainder of the bench. 



278. Planting the houses (Fig. 25). The plants should 

 be planted in the benches as soon as they are dug. It is 

 important that the soil in the benches be evenly packed 

 so the moisture contents will be uniform. In planting, 

 the roots should be distributed evenly throughout the 

 soil, and the plants should be set no deeper than they 

 were in the field. Deep planting encourages stem-rot. 

 The soil should be firmly packed about the roots. This 

 brings the moist soil in contact with all root areas and 

 favors the capillary action of the soil moisture, which in 

 a degree prevents wilting. 



After the plants are set, they are given a light syringing. 

 Heavy watering should not be allowed, for it makes the 

 soil muddy, excludes air, and root action does not begin 

 promptly. ^Tien the plants becqme established, heavier 

 waterings may be given. It should be remembered, 

 however, that heavy waterings at the crown usually induce 

 stem-rot. Many growers give the house a light shading 

 just before planting. 



279. Cultivation. The surface soil in carnation beds 

 should be stirred frequently. This keeps the weeds in 

 check and also provides for aeration of the soil, besides 

 assisting to regulate proper moisture conditions. 



280. Carnation supports. As soon as the plants are 

 well established and the blooming stems begin to develop, 

 wire supports should be given. The usual method is to 

 run several wires lengthwise of the row, and to use twine 

 or similar material for cross-supports. This allows free- 

 dom of growth, while it gives sufficient support to make 

 the flower-stems straight and stiff. 



