Growing Flowers 159 



House plants should occasionally be 'watered with 

 water to which has been added a tablespoonful of 

 ammonia to a two-quart measure of water. This 

 fertilizes the soil and kills bugs. Water which has 

 been used for washing dishes or fabrics will answer 

 as well as fresh water. 



There is nothing better for plants than rich, greasy 

 dish water. Be careful to pour it on the soil only 

 for it will not improve the appearance of the foliage. 



Bone ground to meal is excellent for the flowers. 

 It contains lime and phosphate and an ounce will 

 be enough for four or five square feet of earth. 

 The phosphate will promote both flowering and 

 fruitfulness of the plants, hence plenty of bone 

 should be used when seed is to be saved. 



Dried blood from cattle is a nitrogenous food and 

 will cause wonderful growth of foliage both with re- 

 gard to size and coloring. 



In preparing compost, i. e., in rotting stable 

 manure, sprinkle a little finely ground raw phos- 

 phatic rock over it each time it is turned over, 

 which should be twice a week for several weeks, 

 and the fertilizer will be strengthened. 



