if you want large bulbs and many flowers next season. All bulbs should grow a 
long time after flowering. , ... , 
Potting. Be sure drainage is perfect. If not, the soil becomes soggy and 
sour and plant dies. Place piece of broken pot over hole. Over that small gravel. 
Soil may be one third leaf mold or peat; one third fine sand; one third rich 
garden loam. Use peat for acid loving plants. For bulbs or plants needing a 
neutral soil, sudh as Hippeastrums and Daffodils, add a little ground lime¬ 
stone and less peat or none. Pot may be 3 or 4 ttnves the diameter of bulb* 
Large pots favor growth and increase of bulbs. When first potted see that 
soil is moist. Place in dark or shade. Darkness encourages root growth. It is 
very important that roots are well started for a bulb to make good flowers. 
Light encourages top growth. If this is made without roots the bulb suffers 
and gives an inferior flower. Bring to full light gradually only when growth 
is well started. Give little water until growing well. Some bulbs rot if given 
much water before they are rooted and growing. Some may not bloom if you try 
to hurry them. 
Bulbs should be potted early in order to give plenty of time for root growth. 
If delayed the results are less satisfactory. 
ACID AND ALKALINE SOILS 
Most plants thrive in a wide variety of soils and are not too particular 
about the soil pH. Such plants are widely distributed and include our most 
coimjmon ornamental and economic plants and especially weeds. But some of 
our most important plants are very exacting in their requirements. 
Among the latter Sugar Cane and Orchids require acid soils. One of our 
customers in the Dominican Republic states that their soils are strongly al¬ 
kaline. There the Sugar Cane industry was threatened with extinction be¬ 
cause of mosaic until resistant varieties were introduced. Their terrestial orchids 
are of poor quality. A change in the soil pH might improve both. 
The pH of the soil (or any substance) is measured in units thus, pH 5.5. It 
refers to the relative acidity or alkalinity and this depends on the concen¬ 
tration of the hydrogen ions. The scale runs 1 to 14. pH 7 is neutral. Below 
that the acidity increases as the ,pH decreases. Above pH 7 the scale indicates 
increasing alkalinity. 
Most semi-aquatic plants and shade loving plants do best in a imiildly acid soil, 
This will include most plants that grow in woods or bogs. 
Among bulbs the following do much better in mildly acid soils, around pH 6 
and some, possibly like more acidity. Gladiolus, Vallota, Callas, Caladiums, 
Arums, Lilies etc. Those requiring neutral to mildly alkaline soils are Iris, 
Hippeastrums Narcissus etc. Much experiment is being done and much is 
needed to add to our knowledge on this subject. 
The acidity of a soil may be increased by the incorporation of any form 
of vegetable matter. The best is imported peat, leaf mould and tan bark. In 
fertilizers Superphosphate, Aluminum sulphate and sulphur are acid. 
Lime, gypsum, ground shell, manure with ammonia odor and commercial 
nitrogenous fertilizers are alkaline. 
The pH of the soil may be determined by amateurs who have but little 
chemical training, with sufficient accuracy by use of a $1.00 soil testing outfit 
which we can supply. But it is by no means a necessary adjunct of the suc¬ 
cessful gardner. 
VITAMIN B-l 
The recent discovery of this plant vitamin promises great results. Its use 
has produced more vigorous growth; larger and better flowers, fruit etc. Es¬ 
pecially valuable in transplanting. We brot selected Hippeastrums with bud¬ 
ded scape from a distant garden, with bare roots. Soaked roots in solution as 
recommended. Result. Every flower opened perfectly. Not a leaf wilted. All 
ripened seeds. Improved form. Thompsons Vitamin Bl, 100 pellets with bottle 
and dropper for stock solution. $1.00, 
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