278 



THE BEGINNER'S GARDEN BOOK 



cause the root is not injured. But in taking up from a flat 

 or the row plants that are four inches or more tall, the roots 

 are sure to suffer. Treat them, therefore, very carefully. 



In the first place, water them freely, so that they will be 

 full of water. This will help them through the struggle that 

 is to come. Give them time to drink the water in. 



Then, while they are drinking, prepare the ground to receive 



them. If the 

 ground is not 

 rich enough to 

 suit you, dig the 

 holes (I always 

 stretch the line 

 a few inches 

 away, parallel 

 with the true 

 line, so it will 

 not be in the 

 way) deeper 

 than the roots of 

 the plant will at 

 first go, and then 

 work into the 

 ground manure, 

 compost, or fertilizer. If the ground is very dry, pour 

 in water also, and let it drain away. 



Now go to the plants, and lift them carefully. Perhaps 

 they stand so far apart that you can lift them separately. 

 Do it with a trowel, or even with a shovel or a spade, taking 

 all the earth that you can. Carry the plant to the hole, sift 

 in a little earth until the depth is proper, and set the plant 

 immediately. Then water it, and when the surface has 

 dried out, scatter dry earth over it. 



Fig. 152. — Use a line for setting plants. 



