Carnation Growing in the South 



BY W. R. SHELMIRE, ATLANTA, GA. 



The average florist in the North has very little idea of the changed con- 

 ditions under which floriculture is carried on by his Southern brother. He 

 would be surprised to know that, should he change his location for these 

 parts, his trade in great measure would have to be learned over again. Of 

 course, the general principles are the same, but to apply those principles 

 would mean to him another apprenticeship at the business. 



The most marked changes are those of soil and climate. The Northern 

 man naturally expects to find considerable difference in climate, but the 

 matter of soil will hardly occur to him, or he will surmise that the choice of 

 a suitable soil is merely a matter of selection. The truth is, there is no soil 

 at all here as we understand that word in the North, and, practically, there 

 is no sod from which to make greenhouse compost; consequently, the very 

 foundation of successful floriculture is apparently lacking. The deficiency 

 must be made up by the skillful manipulation of the material at hand, That 

 which experience has taught us to be the most suitable is the red clay of the 

 district. There is a choice even in this, the most desirable being of a dark 

 red color and even texture, free from stones and admixture of any kind. It 

 is dug from the bank, the same as brick clay, and to the depth of several 

 feet, perhaps. 



After being thoroughly broken up with rakes, this soil is mixed with 

 about one-quarter well-rotted stable manure and what bone would equal 

 100 pounds applied to a I5o-foot bench. I give the formula generally used, 

 but it may, of course, vary to suit different purposes. This, when thoroughly 

 mixed, constitutes the "soil" used for carnations, roses, etc. When placed on 

 the benches, this material is packed hard by the feet, and the plants well 

 firmed after planting. All potting, too, is done very firm. Experience has 

 taught that all things do better in the available soil when thus well firmed. 



A limited supply of green-grass sod is found in places, but it has not 

 proved suitable. 



Bermuda sod can also be had in quantity, but the roots are so full of 

 vitality that it is not possible to use this grass in a compost. It would 

 also grow on the benches and prove very troublesome. 



Nearly all things thrive admirably in this red clay mixture, although 

 in the clay itself weeds will hardly grow. Still, it is more or less of a 

 handicap, and requires cautious management and no little skill, particularly 

 in the matter of watering. 



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