196 AROUND THE YEAR IN THE GARDEN 



of foliage and flowers is to be produced. Unless they were 

 repotted in the spring they should be shifted now, and 

 usually it is best to use a pot only one size larger. 



Summer Care of Potted Plants 



During hot weather the plants will thrive better if the 

 pots are sunk up to the rims in the ground under a tree or 

 where they will be in the shade at midday. Two-thirds of 

 the work of watering may be saved in this way, and the 

 soil kept more evenly moist. To prevent the plants' rooting 

 through into the soil below, a small cork or wooden plug may 

 be put into the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot, 

 leaving just enough of an opening so that all surplus water 

 can drain out. 



A cone-shaped plunger, five or six inches across the top 

 and tapering to a sharp point, with a handle attached, 

 should be used to make the holes in which the pots are 

 placed. This will save a great deal of work, will make a 

 hole of any diameter, and will leave a small air space di- 

 rectly under each pot, preventing soil worms from working 

 up into the pot and providing better drainage and free 

 access of air to the roots. The pots should be turned occa- 

 sionally to prevent the plants from getting one-sided and 

 to break off any roots that may have grown down into the 

 soil. 



New Plants from Seeds and Cuttings 



Plants from seeds or from cuttings started now will be 

 large enough for three or four inch pots and will be in prime 

 condition by winter. To start the seeds, prepare a small 

 bed either in a partly shaded place or where a temporary 

 screen of some sort may be made. Water copiously before 

 planting, and cover the seeds hghtly. As soon as the seeds 

 are well up and in the third or fourth leaf transplant to flats 

 or small, individual pots. 



The soil for the pots must be so rich as to carry several 

 months' food supply in a very limited space, porous enough 



