THE CANADIAN HORTrCULTURIST. llll 



WINDOW GAEDENING. 



The question is often askeJ : How often should T water my plants 1 

 Although a seeminglj'^ simple question, it is under all conditions, a (lifficult 

 one to answer, as some plants, even of the same kind, require different 

 supplies under different conditions. Take geraniums, for instance. When 

 growing with full vigor, with the pots well tilled witli roots, there is but 

 little danger of giving too much. Every day will not be too often if the 

 weather is clear. Take the same plant with but a small number of leaves 

 on it, and newly shifted into fresh soil, with but few roots, and watering 

 once a week may even be too often for it. All soft wooded plants grow- 

 ing vigorously require an abundance of water; always when they are the 

 least dry, which can be told by the surface of the soil getting white, or 

 when, the side of the pot being tapped with the finger, a hollow sound is 

 made. By feeling the weight of the plants, a little practice will suliice for 

 knowing pretty nearly the condition of them, whether wet or dry. 



Plants sparely sup[)lied with foliage and with few roots, require sufficient 

 water to keep them in a healthy condition ; but care must be taken not to 

 approach anyj;hing like a saturation of the soil. Succulent plants, such as 

 agaves and cactuses, require but little water. When at rest, their succu- 

 lent leaves serve for storing up water sufficient to keep theui in healthy 

 condition for a long period. Deciduous plants — such as fuchsia and crape 

 myrtle — during the time th«y are without leaves should not, however, be 

 ■allowed to get too dry. As the stem and branches evaporate moisture, 

 sufficient water has to be given at the roots to supply this evaporation ; 

 for, if not, the roots will eventually shrivel up and die. 



The temperature of the water supplied to plants should be about the 

 same degree as the tem})erature of the room in which the plants are 

 growing ; or, if a little highei', will be a benefit, rather than anytliing else. 

 And when water is given, sufficient should be applied to thoroughly satu- 

 rate the soil. A mere dribble on the surface does more harm than good, 

 as it draws up what moisture there may be in the soil below where it is 

 wet. Plants should not be allowed to stand in saucers filled with watei-. 

 Give sufficient water to run through into the saucer. But then empty it 

 out and do not allow the plant to remain in it. During cold weather 

 watering is better to be done in the morning, as then all superfluous moist- 

 ure ^ts a chance to evaporate before night. 



The temperature at which plants should be kept during the winter is 

 lower than a good many would suppose. High night temperature to both 

 green house and window is injurious, the results of which, are weak and 

 slender growths, with but few flowers being produced. A temperature of 

 45 degrees during the night with GO to 65 degrees daring the day time 

 is high enough for most plants. Of coarse there are plants which require 

 a good deal higher temperature than this but they are not so well suited 

 for window culture. The main aim should be a steady temperature more 

 than a high one. A high temperature to-day and a low one to-morrow, has 

 a very injurious effect upon all kinds of plants, and should be avoided as 

 <uuch as possible. Pans for evaporating moisture should be kept on the 



