Gardening for Amateurs 



769 



Growing Bulbs in Fibre 



NOWADAYS it is quite possible, as 

 experience has shown, for the veriest 

 amateur in gardening, even town 

 dwellers, to grow spring flowers to perfection 

 in fancy bowls or pots at home without the 

 help of a greenhouse. 

 The use of soil is dis- 

 pensed with, and in 

 its stead we have a 

 specially prepared 

 fibre, which renders 

 it possible to produce 

 the finest flowers in 

 ornamental vases and 

 bowls, or even in 

 jam-jars. No drain- 

 age is required, as 

 with flower pots, and 

 the material is quite 

 clean and pleasant to 

 handle. 



When making a 

 start it is best to 

 procure the fibre 

 from a reliable nur- 

 seryman, and prefer- 

 ably one who makes 

 a speciality of grow- 

 ing bulbs in fibre. 

 Tell him the number 

 of bulbs you intend 

 growing, and he will 

 send the required 

 quantity of fibre, 

 which is very cheap. 

 Charcoal and crushed 

 shell, which are also 

 necessary, are usually 

 sent at the same 

 time, in correct pro- 

 portions. 



Before mixing the 

 fibre and shell, water 



the former thoroughly, and rub it through 

 the hands to get rid of lumps. Enough 

 water should be given to moisten the fibre 

 thoroughly, but not so much as to make it 

 sodden. Mix in the shell, and proceed with 

 the " potting " of the bulbs. It is ad vis- 

 49 



Narcissi grown in fibre in ornamental bowl 



able to place a quantity of charcoal at the 

 bottom of each of the receptacles used, 

 or the fibre may become " sour," owing to 

 there being no drainage. On this place 

 sufficient of the mixture to allow of the bulbs 

 being half an inch 

 beneath the surface 

 when potting is com- 

 pleted. A margin of 

 ^ inch should be left 

 between the top of 

 the compost and the 

 rim of the vase or 

 bowl. 



The bowls may be 

 at once placed in cool, 

 semi - dark though 

 airy positions in the 

 house, but avoid put- 

 ting them near fires. 

 During the first few 

 weeks only sufficient 

 water should be given 

 to keep the fibre 

 slightly moist. When 

 growth is started 

 practically every- 

 thing depends on 

 watering. If once 

 the fibre becomes 

 thoroughly dry, if 

 only for a short time, 

 failure is likely to 

 result. On the other 

 hand, too much water 

 is almost as bad ow- 

 ing to there being no 

 means of getting rid 

 of the surplus beyond 

 tilting the bowls or 

 vases on their sides. 

 With care, however, 

 both extremes can 



be avoided. After leaf growth appears full 

 exposure to light is necessary, and fresh 

 air will do wonders in producing sturdy 

 plants, but beware of cold draughts. Sup- 

 port the blossoms if necessary with thin 

 sticks soon after they appear. 



