SETTING THE PLANTS 



477 



ground level, the roots are exposed and will either die or be 

 seriously injured (Fig. 186). 



Remove a few of the outer and older leaves before plant- 

 ing if this has not already been done. Such leaves will have 

 been removed from nursery plants before shipment. If the 

 grower obtains his plants from a bed or field, he should 

 remove these leaves as the plants are dug. If the roots are 

 long and straggling, clip slightly to aid in planting. 



With its root system of many fibers, it is easy to set the 

 plant loosely even when intentions are the best. A circular 



(17. D. A.) 



Fig. 186. The plant at the left has not been set deeply enough, the 

 entire crown and the top of the root system are exposed; the center 

 plant has been set at the proper depth ; the plant at the right has been 



set at too great a depth. 



hole such as is made by a round dibble (Fig. 187) does not 

 permit shaking and spreading the roots but crowds them to- 

 gether, resulting in a minimum of contact with the soil. Plants 

 thus set may live in a good season, but if it is dry after plant- 

 ing, the chances are against them. In any event they will not 

 make the development that may be expected from plants 

 properly set. 



The flat and pointed trowel of various designs is a good 

 planting tool (Fig. 187) . Press it into the soil to the desired 

 depth, work it back and forth, withdraw, insert the plant, 

 shaking the roots apart in a fan shape, and press firmly in 

 place. Two men or a man and boy will do this better than one 



