GREENHOUSE AND WINDOW-GARDEN WORK. 163 



roots should never be sunk to any great extent below the original 

 level, and it is always preferable to pot a plant twice, or even 

 three times, rather than place it in a pot too large. 



1 6. Watering Greenhouse and Window Plants. 



Plants cannot be satisfactorily watered just so many times a 

 day, week, or month. All pl?aits should be watered when 

 necessary — when they are dry. This is indicated by a tendency 

 to flag or wilt, or by the hollow sound of the pots when tapped. 

 The latter is the safest sign, as, after a prolonged period of dull 

 weather, many plants wilt on exposure to bright sunshine, 

 although still wet at the roots. But a growing plant should not 

 be allowed to become so dry as to wilt, nor should the soil ever 

 reach a condition as dry as powder. This is a condition, how- 

 ever, which is essential to some plants, more particularly the 

 bulbous and tuberous kinds, during their resting period. In- 

 cessant dribbling should be avoided ; water thoroughly and 

 be done with it until the plants are again dry. Plants under 

 glass should not be sprayed overhead while the sun is shining 

 hot and full upon them. The evening is the best time of the 

 day for watering in summer, and morning in winter. In water- 

 ing with liquid manure, the material should not come in contact 

 with the foliage. Plants recently potted should not be watered 

 heavily at the roots for a week or ten days ; spray them fre- 

 quently overhead. 



17. Liquid Manure for Greenhouses. 



Most of the artificial fertilizers may be used in the preparation 

 of liquid manure, but a lack of knowledge as to their strength 

 and character lessens their value in the minds of gardeners. 

 Pure cow-manure, which varies little in stimulating property, 

 is considered by gardeners to be the safest and most reliable 

 material to use for a liquid fertilizer. A bushel measure of the 

 solid manure to 100 gallons of water makes a mixture which 

 can be used with beneficial results on the tenderest plants ; 

 and for plants of rank growth, the compound may be gradually 



