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 increas- 
ing alkalinity. 
Most semi-aquatic plants and shade loving plants do best in a mildly 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, Haemanthus, Nerines, etc. Those requiring neutral to mildly 
alkaline soils are Iris, Hippeastrums, Daffodils, ete. 
The acidity of a soil may be increased by the incorporation of any form of 
vegetable matter. The most acid 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 most com- 
mercial nitrogenous fertilizers are alkaline. 
It is often important to know the pH of your soil. Anyone can determine 
it and no knowledge of chemistry is necessary. For $1.00 we will mail you a 
Soiltex outfit with materials needed and complete simple directions. 
Vitamin B1 has been proven a useful stimulant for bulbs. In transplanting, 
soak the roots of bulbs or any plants in a solution and the plant does not even 
wilt. We have done this with Hippeastrums in bloom and the fiower was un- 
injured, lasted for days and ripened seed. Use it on growing plants for better 
plants and bloom. Our prices reduced, 200 Tablets for $1.00. 100 for 60c, 
50 for 35c, 25 for 20c. 
Directions for use on plants in garden or in pots. For the first application 
dissolve one tablet in 2 gal. water. For succeeding waterings use one tablet in 
4 gal. water, once a week. One can use these tablets as strong as one tablet to 
a gallon for infrequent applications. When transplanting shrubs, bulbs or any 
plants, dissolve 5 tablets or even more in 1 gal. water and soak roots 15 to 30 
min. Pour solution around the plant when set. Warning: Do not soak dormant 
bulbs with vit. B1 solution. It rots them. It should not be applied to bulbs when 
planted until abundant roots are formed. These directions apply only to the 
tablets we send out. They may be quite wrong for any other kind. 
Bulbs for Southern Gardens. Our bulbs are all grown in the field or in lath 
houses in the semi-tropical climate of Southern California. Hence they are all 
ideal for outdoor planting in the south where temperatures are equally mild. 
Very many are hardy in the north. In our culture directions we state how far 
north a variety may be expected to be hardy. They are equally adapted to 
growing in pots. 
Bulbs for Pots 
We especially recommend the following for planting in pots at the present 
time: Amaryllis, (Hippeastrum) hybrids; Clivia; Haemanthus multiflorus; 
Sprekelia formosissima; Colored Callas, Pink, Yellow and Spotted Leaf; The 
Black Calla, Arum palaestinum; Moraea polystachya; Billbergias; Commelina 
coelestis; Large bulbs of Anemone and Ranunculus; Tuberous Rooted Be- 
gonias; Oxalis, we have a few left of winter growing type, badly sprouted but 
they will grow and flower if planted at once. Our selection, 3 for 10c. 
Potting Directions. Be sure drainage is perfect, by placing broken crock 
over hole and over that fine gravel or coarse sand. Soil should be loose and rich 
and so pervious that water passes thru easily and does not become sodden. 
Combine sand, garden loam and humus to get a right soil texture. A little well- 
decayed manure may be added. For acid loving plants, peat may be used for 
humus. Most bulbs like a little bone-meal. 
When potted the bulb may be well watered to settle earth around and 
start the roots. But for most bulbs, much water before roots form is a disad- 
vantage and many will rot. Best to keep only slightly moist until growth starts 
then gradually increase. Pot bulbs early to give time for full root development 
before they flower. Too much heat and moisture may rot dormant bulbs before 
they form roots. 
