i/2 GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 



be cleansed when dirty, and new pots soaked in clean water. The com- 

 post for the first repotting should be as follows : Three-parts fibrous 

 loam, one-part thoroughly rotted manure, and one-part good leaf-mould. 

 To this add half a part of coarse sand or road grit and a dusting of wood 

 ashes or crushed charcoal. Pass the first three ingredients through a 

 coarse sieve, and pull the pieces of fibrous matter apart as far as possible. 

 Then thoroughly mix the whole of the ingredients, and when com- 

 pleted all will be ready. Begin first with the plants which give evidence 

 of being well rooted, and rather defer the potting up of any plant for a 

 day or two than shift it into a pot of larger size before it is ready. 

 Crock with care, covering these with the rougher sif tings, which form 

 an admirable drainage, and also prevent the soil clogging the crocks. 

 Turn each plant out of its pot, removing the crocks from its base 

 so as not to damage the tender roots. A layer of soil should cover 

 the drainage material just referred to, and on this place the ball 

 of the repotted plant evenly. Work in the compost between the 

 ball of the repotted plant and the pot, using a stout label for the pur- 

 pose, or any flat piece of wood about an inch and a-half wide and half 

 an inch thick. Ram the soil in firmly with this simple arrangement, 

 and if the pot be rapped occasionally on the potting-bench during the 

 process of repotting, keeping the thumbs on the surface of the ball of 

 earth at the same time, the soil settles down firmly and the operation is 

 complete. The surface of the ball must be sufficiently below the rim 

 of the pot to allow water to be given. When removing the rooted 

 cuttings from the pots and boxes, disturb the roots as little as possible. 

 After the first repotting remove the plants to a temporary frame for 

 a few days, gradually inuring them to the more airy conditions of the 

 greenhouse. They may then be placed on the shelves near the glass, 

 and kept growing steadily until they are removed into frames outside. 



Placing Young Plants in Gold Frames. Early March is a good 

 time to place the earliest plants which were raised in the cool green- 

 house outdoors in cold frames. Of course, this depends in a large 

 measure upon the weather. However, when it is possible to do this 

 work, stand the plants on ashes, not pot to pot, and keep them 

 well up under the glass to promote sturdy growth. Admit air 

 carefully, taking advantage of fine days to give a more abundant 

 supply. Avoid draughts from the cutting easterly and north-easterly 

 winds, which quickly interfere with the plants' progress. As the season 

 advances more air may be given, until on fine days in early April, the 

 frame-lights may be removed. 



Standing Plants in the Open. In the south of England, where a 

 sheltered position can be provided, stand the plants outdoors in the 

 middle of April, and if the aspect be a warm one say, south or west and 

 protection can be afforded from the cold winds from other quarters, 

 no better place could be chosen. Where the situation is low and 

 damp delay from a week to ten days later before putting out the plants 

 in the open. In the Midlands make the date for placing them out 

 doors a week later than that first mentioned, and in the North the first 

 week in May is the time to insure safety. 



