THE GARDEN PRIMER 



makes as good a dibble as may be had, but there are 

 occasions when a section of broom handle, sharpened 

 like a long pointed pencil, is not a bit too big. A little 

 practice with the tool will quickly teach you the size 

 appropriate for any particular plant. 



Lift the seedling by taking one of its leaves care- 

 fully between the soft ball of the thumb and index 

 finger you will be surprised at the ease with which you 

 will handle mere atoms of plants this way not touch- 

 ing the body of the plant at all, nor allowing its roots 

 to come in contact with anything. 



Thrust the dibble into the earth at the spot the 

 plant is to occupy, making a hole as deep or a little 

 deeper than its longest root; lower the seedling into 

 this hole until it is as deep as it originally grew, then 

 thrust the dibble down once more, half an inch from it 

 this time, and by tilting the handle over towards it 

 gently press earth against and around its roots. If 

 the hole seems insufficiently filled after this, leaving 

 the plant unsteady and loosely set, thrust the dibble 

 down at another spot or lay its point flat onto the soil, 

 alongside the plant's stem and press down until the 

 earth falls into place, filling the hole completely. Do 

 not pack the dirt, but make it firm. 



Water moderately after the work is finished, unless 

 the sun shines on the plants; this will help to carry 

 the earth close around the roots, settling it and pressing 

 out the air pockets. 



With seedlings always be particular about obtaining 

 them in a fresh condition from your florist if you have 



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