460 



GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 



pot to within about three-quarters of an inch of its rim. This margin 

 is necessary to receive and hold water when this is applied. On 

 removing the runners from the small pots, take care that the roots 

 are not broken or bruised. When all the plants have been thus placed 

 in 6-inch pots, stand them for a few days in partial shade, syringing 

 them several times daily, and give water whenever required. In a 

 week's time place them upon an open piece of hard ground the 

 garden walk is an excellent position so that they may have all the sun 

 possible. Allow each plant plenty of room, by placing them in rows, 

 9 or 10 inches apart, and let each one be 3 or 4 inches from its 

 neighbour. An abundance of water is required during the hot weather, 

 when the plants are well rooted, and they must not be allowed to suffer 



from dryness, or bad results will 

 follow. It is preferable to water 

 them early in the morning or even- 

 ing, as then the water thoroughly 

 moistens the soil. It is probable, 

 however, that water will be again 

 required before the day is over. 

 Syringe the plants every evening, 

 so as to encourage growth. Cut 

 off all runners that appear, and 



Prepared 

 compost. 



Turf. 



remove weeds when seen. When 

 cold weather arrives, some pro- 

 tection must be afforded, or the 

 roots might suffer, and the pots 

 be broken. A simple method of 

 preventing this is as follows : First 

 place the plants closely together 

 in a straight line. Then spread 

 a layer of bracken or ashes (the 

 Drainage, former is preferable, if it can be 

 obtained) by the pots ; place 

 FIG. 55. Way to place the runners, another row of plants next to the 

 when rooted, into a larger pot. bracken, so that the latter is 



pressed quite closely between the 



two rows of plants. Continue this a layer of bracken, and a row of 

 plants alternately until all are protected. The first row that was put 

 down will also need covering on the outside until about the middle of 

 February, when no further attention is required. If ripe Strawberries 

 are desired in April, the number of plants required must be placed 

 under cover early in February. 



Forcing. A cold frame is the best position for three or four weeks. 

 If a mild hot-bed of leaves can be prepared in which to plunge the 

 plants, so much the better, for this promotes root action. Under this 

 treatment, the flower spikes also appear more quickly. In about eight 

 weeks from placing the plants in the cold frame ripe fruit may be 

 expected, if a little fire heat be afterwards available. At the close 



