286 GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 



fibre refuse and sand, but they must be potted into soil soon after the 

 roots are formed, otherwise they are apt to decay. It may also be mixed 

 with loam where peat or leaf-mould are not available, but the last two 

 are preferable. For covering the surface of small beds of flowers, either to 

 prevent too rapid evaporation, or to save the flowers from being splashed 

 by the rain, cocoanut fibre refuse is excellent, while it is used largely to 

 plunge pots in, so that the roots do not dry so quickly as when fully 

 exposed. 



The Mixing of Soils is an important item, the proportions em- 

 ployed depending upon the plants for which the soil is intended, and 

 also upon the consistency of the loam. A few items of general advice, 

 however, will be of great service to the beginner. For the majority of 

 plants, such as Fuchsias, Pelargoniums, Heliotropes, Petunias, and a 

 host of similar subjects, a suitable compost may be formed of two-parts 

 loam to one-part leaf-mould, or, failing this, peat, and about half a part 

 each of sand and decayed manure. None of the ingredients should be 

 sifted, but the lumps broken up with the hand ; indeed, the sieve is 

 frequently a mistake, as it deprives the soil of the matter which renders 

 it porous. For cuttings, seed-sowing, and transplanting tiny seedlings, 

 the soil should be passed through a sieve with a quarter of an inch mesh, 

 but for general potting it must not be sifted. When the mixture above 

 mentioned is thoroughly incorporated together, it is fit for use. In 

 potting, see that the soil contains the requisite amount of moisture, as if 

 too dry or too wet future success is unlikely. A good guide is to take a 

 handful of soil and press it tightly together. It should be sufficiently 

 moist to retain its shape, and yet dry enough to crumble to pieces when 

 rubbed. If dry soil is damped, it must stand twenty-four hours before 

 use, in order to allow the mass to be in one condition of moisture. 



Though these directions as to the mixing of soil, &c., are given, the 

 amateur with limited space who happens to reside in the neighbourhood 

 of a nursery or florist, will be able to obtain suitable "oil for general 

 purposes already mixed at a cheap rate, and will find this a convenient 

 method to adopt. 



Seed Sowing and Propagation by Cuttings. Many beautiful 

 flowering plants can be raised from seed, including not only many 

 available for the greenhouse itself, but also that large class known as 

 tender annuals, which should be raised under glass and planted out 

 later on. Such popular flowers as China Asters, Zinnias, Balsams, and 

 Celosias may be treated in this way. Whether seeds are sown in boxes, 

 pans, or pots, the method of procedure remains the same. Thorough 

 drainage is necessary, therefore ensure this by putting a layer of broken 

 crocks in the bottom of the pot, pan, or box. On this place the soil 

 and press it down moderately firm to about half an -inch below the rim. 

 Make it level, but do not pat the surface smooth, as this prevents the 

 roots from entering readily into the soil when the seed germinates. 

 Having prepared the receptacles, sow the seed by sprinkling it on the 

 surface of the soil, taking care not to sow too thickly. There is a great 

 tendency to do this, especially in the case of small seeds that retain their 



