The Year in the Crystal Garden 183 



me-nots, and other spring bedding plants for 

 extra -early use. 



Select carefully the best Chrysanthemums to 

 keep for stock. The plants can be kept under 

 a bench or out of the way to start into growth 

 the latter part of the month, or the first of next 

 month, to get material for cuttings for next year's 

 plants. 



Keep soil in all beds well loosened up. Oc- 

 casionally loosen the soil in pots, plant boxes, or 

 large pots. The forming of mould or moss closes 

 up the surface so that air cannot readily pene- 

 trate to the plant roots. 



Start Tomatoes and Cucumbers in a frame or 

 over bottom heat, to furnish plants for setting 

 out next month. Set where a sufficiently high 

 temperature can be maintained during January 

 and February to grow them. 



Watch Carnations and other plants for any 

 kind of disease. Immediately remove any rusty 

 or spotted leaves and burn. 



Do not be in too much of a hurry to force 

 semi -dormant plants like some of the flowering 

 shrubs into active growth. Give them a chance 

 to finish a comfortable rest period. 



