CARE OF THE GARDEN 55 



oughly. Better not undertake it at all unless there 

 is time to do it thoroughly. Undertake only a 

 part of the garden at one time, practicing dry 

 gardening on the remainder, meanwhile, if neces- 

 sary. Take sufficient time and use enough water 

 to penetrate the damp lower soil. How much will 

 be needed may be found out by digging down 

 beside one plant. Notice, also, how the water 

 settles on the surface after the ground is thor- 

 oughly soaked. However much water is needed, 

 be sure to use enough. Turn it on slowly, close 

 to the stem. A convenient utensil for this purpose 

 is the garden sprinkling pot with the sprinkler 

 removed. Make a hollow around the stem if 

 necessary, to keep the water from running off. 

 Soak the roots clear through to the damp layer 

 below. Connecting the moist lower soil with the 

 roots by this means will establish capillary at- 

 traction. In this way, the extra water furnished 

 helps the plants in making a more continued use 

 of soil-moisture. Done thoroughly, in this man- 

 ner, it will not be necessary to water oftener, 

 usually, than once a week. Sprinkle the foliage 

 of the smaller plants to clear them of dust and 

 refresh them. As soon as the water is entirely 

 absorbed, stir the surface. Put into practice what 

 we know about conserving moisture. Since warm 

 water is used and tillage follows, watering may 

 be undertaken at any time of day. 



Certain plants suffer more than others from 



