A ‘magnifying glass will aid in finding them ,as they are almost invisible to the naked 
eye. They cause malformed, dark spotted and blistered appearance of the leaves 
and often result in stunting of the plants. They are easily controlled with DDT. The 
Tarter Emetic and brown sugar spray, previously recommended, is still considered an 
adequate spray material. 
Considerable success in keeping down the ravages of pests has veen obtained by 
some growers by frequent, over-head watering, during the hottest part of the day. The 
water is turned on for a couple of hours every two or three days. This method is more 
practical on light, well drained soils than on the heavier soils which may become 
saturated to the detriment of the plant. 
DISEASES rob the plants of vitality, and in the case of some diseases, eventually 
destroy the plants. Control methods require destruction of all infected plants as the 
symptoms become apparent. Control of insects prevent spread. ) 
MILDEW, common in the fall, is well-known. Control by dusting the under side of 
lower leaves with dusting sulphur, about Sept. Ist. One application will suffice for the 
season. 
After the frost has destroyed the plants in the fall cut the stalk off at the ground. 
An ordinary saw is fine for this. If possible leave the clump in the ground for a week 
or ten days before digging. A long tined fork is best for digging the clumps. Be 
careful not to break or even strain the necks of the tubers. One person, with a fork, on 
each side of the clump to be dug can lift the clump out with less damage. Do not leave 
the clumps exposed to the sun or wind for more than a few minutes. If the clumps are 
too moist to store at once dry them off a bit in the shade or basement. Cut the stalk 
off to within a couple of inches of the crown. This largely helps to prevent stem rot 
later. Store the clumps in containers well lined with newspapers to keep out the air as 
much as possible. Keep the containers in a cool frost-proof basement. After the clumps 
have been stored for three or four weeks examine them for stem rot or other decay. If 
decay has set in leave them exposed to the air for a day. Splitting the clumps in two 
will help prevent stem rot. Trim out any decayed parts and dust with sulphur. A little 
sulphur sprinkled over the clumps when they are put in the containers will prove bene- 
ficial. If the clumps show signs of shriveling moisten them with a little water and add 
more covering. 
The clumps may be dividea at any time but it is best to wait until the eyes or 
sprouts show distinctly. Never plant the entire clump. For best results divide it so that 
there is but one sprout to each division. Usually good clumps wii! average four or more 
divisions. 
We will be glad to answer any further questions regarding these or any other 
phases of dahlia culture. OUR SERVICE DOES NOT END WITH THE SALE. 
mG 
: | VISITORS ALWAYS WELCOME 
> 
Visitors are welcome at the ROCKY RIVER DAHLIA GARDENS at all times of the 
year. Make this a stop when in the vicinity of Cleveland. Gardens are located about 
eight miles from downtown Cleveland, within two miles of all routes west. 
Ae 
