26 SCHOOL AND HOME GARDENS 
pots should be shifted to pots a size larger the second 
year. Geraniums in five-inch pots are excellent for school- 
room windows. They will form roots enough to grow con- 
Fic. 19. Section of a Flowerpot, showing 
how a Geranium is potted 
The potting stick is used in packing the earth 
about the plant 
siderable foliage and 
will also bloom well. 
If large plants are de- 
sired, select slips from 
tall-crowing varieties 
and increase the size 
of the pot from year 
to year. Some kinds 
may be made to grow 
five or six feet high. 
Water the plant two 
or three hours before it 
is to be shifted. Place 
drainage material and 
enough soil in the pot 
to raise the ball of 
earth to within half an 
inch of the top. In- 
vert the pot containing 
the geranium, — hold- 
ing the plant, with its 
ball of soil and roots, 
in one hand. Strike the edge of the pot against a table, 
remove the plant, and pick out the drainage material 
if it adheres to the roots. Without breaking the ball, 
set the plant in the larger pot and fill soil around it 
