24 
SUCCESS WITH FLOWERS 
PROPER CARE OF HOUSE PLANTS 
THE SOIL 
is of course of great importance; however, any good 
fertile garden soil, that will grow plants out of doors, 
will do just as well when used for growing plants in 
pots in the house. The addition of a little sand or 
leaf mould, will be beneficial for potting young plants 
With tender roots. 
WATERING 
is really of more importance than anything else in 
growing plants in the house, and many of the failures 
to grow satisfactory plants can be traced to mistakes 
in watering. 
The heat of the house will, of course, have a very 
drying effect on the plants, but it is not advisable to 
allow water to stand in the saucer. If it does, the 
soil will surely become sour, and roots rot. Try at 
all times to have some moisture in the air, and always 
water the plants just as soon as the soil in the pots 
begins to look dry. When you water your plants, do it 
thoroughly and then do not water again until necessary. 
Continual sprinkling and constant wetting destroys 
more plants indoors than anything else 1 know of. 
Wash the leaves with lukewarm water once a week, 
using a cloth or very soft brush, so as not to injure 
the foliage. Be sure to clean the underside of the 
leaves, as that is where the insects do most of the 
damage. 
HARDY PLANTS OUT OF DOORS 
PERENNIALS 
require practically no attention. Good soil in a 
moderately sunny place is the main thing. While mostly 
planted in the spring, they can be set out just as 
safely in the fall of the year. If the summer is unusu¬ 
ally hot it will help to have a mulch of loose dry litter 
to keep the soil from drying out. It always helps to 
cover the bed lightly in the winter, although this Is 
not absolutely necessary. 
SHRUBS 
do best If planted in the spring as soon as ground 
is moderately warm. This allows the roots to start 
their growth before hot weather comes. In planting 
be sure to press the dirt firmly about the roots. The 
top soil must be kept free from weeds, from 12 to 15 
inches each way. The first year the plants should be 
kept well watered, but after that will require little 
care or attention. 
Have your friends ask for my catalog. 
CHARLOTTE M. HAINES 
ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS 
Seeds Grown by a Woman 
