124 



MANUAL OF GARDENING 



134. Straw- 

 berry planter. 



is then pressed against the root by means of the 

 foot, hand, or the dibber itself (as in Fig. 131). 

 The hole is not filled by putting in dirt 

 at the top. 



For large plants, a broader dibber 

 may be used. An implement like 

 that shown in Fig. 134 is useful for 

 setting strawberries and other plants 

 with large roots. It is made of two- 

 inch plank, mth a block on top to act 

 as foot-rest and to prevent the blade from going 

 too deep. In order to provide space for the foot 

 and easily to direct the thrust, the handle may be 

 placed at one side of the middle. For plunging 

 pots, a dibber like that shown in Fig. 135 is useful, 

 particularly when the soil is so hard that a long- 

 pointed tool is necessary. The 

 bottom of the hole may be 

 filled with earth before the 

 pot is inserted; but it is often 

 advisable to leave the vacant 

 space below (as in h) to pro- 

 vide drainage, to keep the 

 plant from rooting, and to 

 prevent earth-worms from en- 

 tering the hole in the bottom 

 of the pot. For smaller pots, the tool 

 may be inserted a less depth (as at c). 135. 



133. Dibber 

 and crow-bar 

 combined. 



Transplantimg established plants and trees. 



The plunging of 

 pots. 



In setting potted plants out of doors, it is nearly always ad- 

 visable to plunge them, — that is to set the pots into the earth, — 

 unless the place is very wet. The pots are then watered by 

 the rainfall; and demand little care. If the plants are to be 



