fSTERANDA BOXES 



the fact that evaporation from these boxes is very- 

 rapid. It could not be otherwise because of 

 their exposure to wind and air on all sides. She 

 applies water in quantities only sufficient to wet 

 the surface of the soil, and because that looks 

 moist she concludes there must be sufficient moist- 

 ure below and lets it go at that. Examination 

 would show her that an inch below the surface the 

 soil in the box is very, very dry, — so dry, in fact, 

 that no roots could find sustenance in it. This 

 explains why plants " start off " well. While 

 young and small their roots are close to the sur- 

 face, and as long as they remain in that condi- 

 tion they grow well enough, but as soon as they 

 attempt to send their roots down — as all plants 

 do, after the earlier stages of growth — they find 

 no moisture, and in a short time they die. 



If, instead of applying a basinful of water, a 

 pailful were used, daily, all the soil in a box of 

 ordinary size would be made moist all through, 

 and so long as a supply of water is kept up there 

 is no reason why just as fine plants cannot be 

 grown in boxes as in pots, or the garden beds. 

 There is no danger of overwatering, for all sur- 

 plus water will run off through the holes in the 

 box, provided for drainage. Therefore make it a 

 rule to apply to your window-box, every day, 



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