FERTILIZERS 



NATURAL MANURES FOR POTTING 



Of the natural manures, cow manure is the 

 best for use in potting soil. However, where 

 this is not available, well-rotted horse manure 

 may be used. Hen and sheep manures should 

 not be used in potting soils. These are so strong, 

 especially in nitrogen, that they are injurious if 

 applied too freely. It is best for the amateur 

 to avoid them and so escape possible trouble. 



Well-rotted manures used in potting soils, 

 should be broken up and thoroughly incorpo- 

 rated with the soil. Where the manure is too 

 wet to be handled conveniently, first mix it with 

 the soil so that some of the moisture may be 

 absorbed. After it has been allowed to stand 

 for a time it may be broken up with the soil. 



USES OF CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS 



For house plants chemical fertilizers often 

 prove the most satisfactory. These prepared 

 plant-foods are of known strength and contain 

 the three elements which are most liable to be 

 lacking in the soil. (Fig. 15.) 



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