192 SATURDAY IN MY GARDEN 



inches deep are dug out, a few forkfuls of manure are placed in the 

 bottom of the hole, and covered with fine soil. 



When the time comes for planting, a smaller hole, but one of 

 sufficient size to take the base of roots comfortably, should be 

 made with a trowel, and the dahlia carefully removed from the 

 pot so as not to injure the roots. The plant, with the ball of earth 

 attached, should then be inserted in the ground, adequate care 

 being taken that the base of the roots rests firmly on the bottom 

 of the hole prepared for it. Next the soil should be pressed round 

 the roots, and a nice even surface be made. 



Staking is an important operation, and this should be done at 

 the same time as the planting. Use good stout stakes. The 

 dahlia is a heavy plant, and needs to be safeguarded adequately 

 against the buffeting of high winds. Thrust the stake a foot or so 

 into the ground, as near as possible to the roots of the plant with- 

 out damaging them, and then securely tie the main stem to the 

 stake with bass or raffia tape. 



If the best results are to be obtained dahlias will require a little 

 careful attention throughout the summer. Towards the end of 

 July the plants will be growing rapidly, and this is the time to 

 thin out the shoots. If large, handsome flowers are desired, and 

 especially if the grower has any intention of exhibiting, it will be 

 sufficient to confine the plant to one main stem. Nearly all the 

 side shoots should be removed. Moreover, as soon as the early 

 flower buds appear they should be rigorously thinned, and at this 

 stage liquid manure may be given to the plants at each alternate 

 watering. A further aid in increasing the productivity of flowers 

 may be found in liberal mulchings of short, decomposed manure. 



It will be necessary also to keep a sharp look-out for the ear- 

 wig one of the most persistent enemies of the dahlia. The 

 commonest and not the least effectual method of trapping them is 

 to fill small flower-pots with hay, and place them, inverted, on 

 the top of the stakes to which the plants are tied. The pots 

 should be examined every morning and the earwigs shaken out 

 on the garden path and destroyed. 



With the arrival of the first sharp frost in autumn the glory of 



