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GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 



drainage. Then fill in as much of the prepared soil as will raise the 

 uppermost roots of the runner within about an inch and a half of the 

 rim of the six-inch pot and place the runner upon it. Holding the 

 small plant firmly with the left hand, with the right hand fill the 

 surrounding space between it and the side of the pot with the pre- 

 pared compost. Make this quite firm with a wooden rammer. The 

 latter should be nine or ten inches long, an inch or so in diameter, 

 and made round ; the base, however, should be quite flat. As soon as 

 the space around the small plant has been filled in, add sufficient soil, 

 made firm, to fill the pot to within about three-quarters of an inch of 

 its rim. This margin is necessary to receive and hold water when this 

 is applied. On removing the runners from the small pots, take care 

 that the roots are not broken or bruised. When all the plants have 

 been thus placed in six-inch pots, stand them for a few days in partial 

 shade, syringing them several times daily, and give water whenever- 

 required. In a week's time place them upon an open piece of hard 

 ground the garden walk is an excellent position so that they may 

 have all the sun possible. Allow each plant plenty of room, by 



placing them in rows, nine or 

 ten inches apart, and let each 

 one be three or four inches from 

 its neighbour. An abundance of 

 water is required during the hot 

 weather, when the plants are well 

 rooted, and they must not be 

 allowed to suffer from dryness, 

 or bad results will follow. It is 

 preferable to water them early in 

 the morning or evening, as then 

 the water thoroughly moistens 

 the soil. It is probable, how- 

 ever, that water will be again 

 required before the day is over. 

 Syringe the plants every even- 

 ing, so as to encourage growth. 

 Cut off all runners that appear, 

 and remove weeds when seen. 

 When cold weather arrives, some 

 protection must be afforded, or 

 the roots might suffer, and the 

 pots be broken. A simple method 

 of preventing this is as follows : 

 First place the plants closely together in a straight line. Then spread 

 a layer of bracken or ashes (the former is preferable, if it can be 

 obtained) by the pots ; place another row of plants next to the 

 bracken, so that the latter is pressed quite closely between the two 

 rows of plants. Continue this a layer of bracken, and a row of 

 plants alternately until all are protected. The first row that was 

 put down will also need covering on the outside until about the 



Prepared 

 compost. Vv 



Tun. 

 Drainage. 



WAY TO PLACE THE RUNNERS, WHEN 

 ROOTED, INTO A LARGER POT 



