Notes at Handon 
WHEN TO PLANT... 
Concerning rain—plant before a rain 
(if you are a better weather prophet than 
the Weather Bureau) but never during 
or just after a rain. Wait until the soil 
is dry enough to crumble or fall freely 
from your hand after squeezing. If soil 
particles adhere to each other or form 
mud ball—it is too wet. New roots can- 
not force their way into earth that has 
been caused to cake by planting when the 
soil is too wet. Never let the soil get hard 
and cracked around the plants. 
GOOD-LOOKING PLANTS... 
Cut off old flower heads—conserves 
strength; prevents self-seeding (choking 
out of parent, usually a hybrid); prolongs 
blooming period, and keeps border looking 
neat. 
DRAINAGE... . 
If drainage is a problem in your gar- 
den, try raised beds. Logs, flagstone, 
bricks, or just sloping the sides of the bed 
will prevent rain from washing soil out. 
ON THE LOOK-OUT FOR INSECTS 
AND DISEASES... 
Very often the difference between a 
garden that bloonis only in the Spring and 
one that blooms from Spring ’til Fall is a 
spraying or dusting program. A search 
for insects and fungous diseases should be 
made at least once a week, and control 
measures taken. 
NEVER TOO MUCH MANURE... 
It is almost impossible to put too much 
well-rotted manure in the average peren- 
nial border. 
THOUGHTS ON CULTIVATION 
Shallow cultivation is good for your 
flower beds (or perennial borders), dis- 
courages weeds, conserves moisture, gives 
the garden a well kept appearance; loose 
soil aids in keeping roots cool and moist, 
and it is good exercise. 
Always cultivate after fertilizing, but 
never when soil is too wet. 
ORGANIC PLANT FOODS... 
Organic fertilizers are best—they con- 
dition the soil and feed the plants at the 
same time. 
NO FERTILIZER IN PLANTING 
BOLE. ia. 
If fertilizer is not worked in beds at 
least a month before planting, do not put 
it in the hole with the plant; add it to 
surface of bed about one week after plant- 
ing, and work in while cultivating. 
GOOD READING ... 
“The Maryland Gardener? published 
by: Federated Garden Clubs of Mary- 
land. 1310 Elm Ave., Baltimore 11, 
Md. 
ATTENTION: MD. & D. C. 
RESIDENTS: 
lease add 2% for Sales Tax to your 
Mail Order and Check. 
For Superior Quality Plants You May Depend on 
Behnke Nurseries 

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