WATERING AND FEEDING 5$ 



of about 6 feet between them. The distance between clumps 

 must obviously depend upon their size ; some are only 

 3 feet in diameter, while others run to 6 feet, and even more 

 than that in many gardens. 



Watering and Feeding. If the soil is thoroughly and 

 deeply cultivated to start with, and generous applications 

 of manure are incorporated, it is not likely that the plants 

 will require any water until they are showing buds ; in any 

 event it is wise to defer watering until it becomes imperative, 

 especially where hard, tap water alone is available, for if 

 this is repeatedly given the temperature of the soil will be 

 gradually lowered until it reaches a point at which the 

 plants cannot absorb food. As soon as it is clear that 

 the soil is becoming dry, watering must be done, and it 

 should be such a soaking that the ground will be moistened 

 to a depth of about 3 feet. To ensure this it is necessary 

 to apply 3 gallons to the square yard on the majority of 

 soils, and 5 gallons will not be a drop too much on light 

 lands that overlie gravel. This done, the grower should not 

 make the slightest attempt to water a second time until the 

 soil is again almost quite dry. 



With the plants in full bud and bloom, it will be essen- 

 tial to assist them with weak liquid manure, and this must 

 always be given when the soil is moist after rain or after 

 artificial waterings have been afforded. The quantity ought 

 to be exactly the same as with clear water, and the latter 



