Carnation Growing in the South 



Reference is not here made to soils, agriculturally speaking. The 

 South has abundance and to spare of fertile farm lands. But good sod from 

 which to prepare the very best soil for greenhouse purposes, and which is 

 considered to lie at the very foundation of successful floriculture, is cer- 

 tainly almost wholly lacking in this section of the South, at least. 



Climate I put secondary. There is a long summer of at least five 

 months, the weather conditions being very similar to those in July and 

 August in the North. During this period, if clear, the plants take a good 

 deal of water and daily syringing, also all the air possible by top and side 

 ventilation. The glass, too, should be well shaded. 



The winters are short. Freezing weather is experienced in December, 

 January, February and March ; 1 5 or 20 degrees is then common ; at times 

 it is colder. During some winters, at long intervals, zero or below is 

 reached. There is little snow, and the ground does not remain frozen for 

 more than a few days at a time. The weather changes are often sudden 

 and severe and high winds are frequent. In fact, the winter is comparable 

 to the month of March in the Middle States ; consequently, substantial glass- 

 houses are required, with a good boiler capacity. 



For the best results, it is considered that Northern-grown field plants are 

 preferable. These are usually planted in August. Plants are grown here 

 in open ground only with great difficulty. The soil is against the method to 

 start with ; droughts are often severe ; the sunshine is intense, and the red 

 spider, thrips and other insect pests are persistent, even with frequent syring- 

 ing and irrigation. 



The carnation can be propagated in the cool months without difficulty, 

 and grown indoors in pots perfectly with care. But grown either in the 

 open ground, or indoors in pots, the cost is too great, and the plants from 

 the North are considered the cheaper. 



All these remarks apply more particularly to the vicinity of Atlanta, 

 Georgia, but would also include that large section of the South where the 

 red clay predominates. 



It seems to me that what the South needs is to develop an individuality 

 in the growing of greenhouse products. Varieties of carnations and other 

 plants should be produced suitable to its soil, and perfectly acclimated. The 

 glass structures should not follow Northern lines or ideas, but a form should 

 be developed better suited to the climate. These changes no doubt will take 

 place in time. 



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