SOIL, PLANTING 



9 



loam, with the addition of some manure, some of which 

 ought to be well worked into the subsoil. 



There is nothing better than a good sound loam for 

 the growth of the greater number of climbing plants, 

 and unless advised otherwise, this, with the addition of 

 manure, should form the basis of the compost. As a 

 general rule, there is no fertiliser which equals thoroughly 

 rotted animal manure, that from the cow-house being 

 the best for light, dry soils, and that from the stable the 

 most beneficial for those of a heavy nature. In stiff 

 soils some leaf-mould and peat are often beneficial. 

 Artificial manures may be used, where the others are 

 not available, in the proportions recommended on the 

 packages of those of a proprietary nature, which are 

 generally the safest to be used by amateurs, A con- 

 siderable proportion of bone meal is also desirable and 

 supplies the permanent nourishment wanting in some of 

 the artificials. 



If the climbers have been growing in pots they may 

 be planted out at almost any season, but others may be 

 planted either in autumn or spring, the former being 

 the best season for districts where drying winds prevail 

 at the latter season. In case of severe frosts they should 

 be slightly protected for the first winter. 



In planting, those which have been grown in pots 

 ought to be turned out carefully with the ball of soil 

 intact, except that the roots may be spread out, so far 

 as this can be done without removing all the soil from 

 the ball. The others should have the roots carefully 

 spread out at their full length and not crushed or 

 crowded in any manner. Any injured roots ought to 

 be carefully cut with a sharp knife, removing the bruised 

 portions. After planting, the soil, which should not be 

 too wet, must be firmly trodden or pressed down and 

 the climbers properly fixed to their supports. Tedious 

 as these directions may seem, their fulfilment will be 



