146 THE GARDEN BEAUTIFUL 



well rooted, put them into three-inch pots and allow 

 them to remain there as long as possible without 

 becoming potbound, or about a month. 



PLANTING OUT 



Plant in rows in their permanent positions, about 

 eighteen inches apart, leaving sufficient space be- 

 tween the rows to give the necessary attention. Set 

 out in rich, mellow, very heavy soil, but one con- 

 taining no fresh manure. A few should be potted 

 or replanted in the box at some distance apart so 

 they may replace any in the field that may perish. 

 If the soil is sandy it needs a liberal supply of cow 

 manure which must be quite rotten or it will burn 

 the roots of the plants as soon as the hot weather 

 commences. Professional growers plant from early 

 in May to the last of July. 



Do not start young plants off with a rush. Avoid 

 stunting them, but just keep them from "standing 

 still." Too much food and drink will result in a 

 luxuriant, top-heavy growth that will have to be cut 

 away at least twice before allowed to head. Feeding 

 heavily with manures or commercial fertilizers is 

 not in order for months yet, or until buds are select- 

 ed. One more don't is in order don't plant young 

 stock too shallowly. Unlike carnations, 'mums are 

 seldom planted too deeply. Stem hardening and wilt- 

 ing of young plants are caused by the roots being left 

 too near the surface. 



TRAINING AND TOPPING 



When young plants are eight inches high their 

 training should begin by pinching out the terminal 

 growth, or if they are much higher cut them off to 

 eight inches, and then they should be allowed three 

 or four branches from the upper part, and these in 



