Cultivating 111 



a few spadefuls of manure into a burlap bag, 

 and after tying securely, plunge into a barrel 

 half filled with very hot water. In a few days or 

 a week the liquid may be poured over the roots of 

 the plant. Be sure that the soil is already moist 

 before applying the "tea," and do not be too gen- 

 erous at first — a gallon or so at a time is plenty, 

 and a second drink next week if necessary. If the 

 main stalk is not too "woody," shoots will 

 start promptly from the joints. Allow only a 

 few, and disbud vigorously as they grow. 



If they sulk because insect pests have at- 

 tacked them or they are diseased. Chapter X 

 will tell you what to do. 



The treatment of plants destined to be grown 

 in pots varies somewhat from the other. Usually 

 sturdy green plants are used for this purpose, 

 though dahlias which have not made more than 

 three or four inches of growth above ground may 

 be dug up, soaked twenty-four hours in muddy 

 water, and placed in a ten-inch pot — or even 

 larger if possible. Use rich soil, lightened with 

 leaf mould or peat, and stimulate with manure 

 water at blooming time. 



The pots should be plunged completely into 

 the ground in the coolest part of the garden, for, 

 as these plants are needed indoors, in the con- 



