112 CULTIVATION IN THE OPEN AIR 



it is better to wait until the soil has become nicely warmed, 

 or at all events perfectly free from frost before planting 

 out the young seedlings. At the same time, avoid getting 

 the plants stunted by confinement in the pots. 



The soil, of course, must have been thoroughly piepared 

 during the Autumn and Winter, being enriched in the 

 same way as suggested for the indoor crop, and in planting 

 take the utmost care to see that the long roots are not in 

 any way doubled up, but either let them go straight down 

 or spread them slantingly in the hole that is made. The 

 soil must, of course, be moist and crumpling, but not at 

 all wet, and should be well firmed. Immediately after 

 planting all the plants should be watered in. 



Staking, tying, spraying, hoeing the soil, and keeping 

 the plants clean will occupy attention during the growing 

 season, while good supplies of water, and later, when the 

 plants are flowering, supplies of liquid manure, should be 

 given. It is advisable in watering, to do so on an ascending 

 temperature, that is to say, usually early in the morning, 

 rather than late in the afternoon, or in the evening. 



One thing of importance is that the stakes must be 

 firmly fixed, and branches are perhaps as good as 

 anything for supports, unless, of course, exhibition blooms 

 are wanted, and in that case, if first prizes are expected in a 

 keen competition, the single stem system may be adopted. 

 This, however, is neither necessary nor desirable where 

 average good blooms are wanted for growing decoration 

 or for cut flowers for the house. 



It should have been stated that after germination it 

 would be well to save only two of the strongest out of the 

 three or four seedlings in the pot, and to separate them 

 gently, so that they will stand 4 in. to 6 in. apart in a row, 

 and the rows may be from 3 ft. to 5 ft. apart, a shallow 



