260 THE PRINCIPLES OF FLORICULTURE 



of the soil as it is the food elements present in it, which 

 determine the growth of the plant. The soil should be 

 rather rich, as chrysanthemums are heavy feeders. The 

 best soil is made by cutting sods and composting them 

 with fresh cow manure ; use one part cow manure to 

 four parts sod. Compost this in the fall, then cut it down 

 in the spring, at which time wood ashes and other fer- 

 tilizers may be added ; bone meal is very commonly used. 

 This may be applied in the proportion of about one pint 

 bone meal to a bushel of soil. 



325. Benches. Chrysanthemums for commercial pur- 

 poses are usually grown in benches. Raised benches are 

 best, even if raised only one foot above the ground. They 

 drain more readily and quickly than do solid beds. How- 

 ever, solid beds may be used ; in which case, good drainage 

 should be provided. Benches should not be over four feet 

 wide ; the center row can then be reached from both sides, 

 and the plants are sure of good air circulation. This is 

 not true of plants on wider benches. 



326. Filling the benches. Benches for chrysanthe- 

 mums need not be over five inches deep. With a rich soil, 

 supplemented with liquid feeding from time to time, four 

 .inches of soil is sufficient. Some growers prefer to firm 

 the soil thoroughly before planting. This is done with a 

 heavy mallet or a brick. The soil is then leveled and is 

 ready for planting. Others prefer to pack the .soil just 

 after the plants have become established and then to firm 

 it. If the soil is firmed, the plants will be shorter jointed 

 than in a light, loose soil. If a naturally heavy soil is 

 used, and is then firmed, the plants may have difficulty 

 in becoming established and in making good growth. 



327. Planting. Plant in rows ten inches apart, and 

 have nine- or ten-inch spaces between the plants. In a 



