ACID AND ALKALINE SOILS 
Most plants thrive in mildly acid, neutral or mildly alkaline soils. But others 
do not have so wide a range of tolerance. Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Camellias, 
Gardenias, Zantedeschias, Caladiums (and other members of Arum family), Ner- 
ines, Haemanthus, Gloxinias, Begonias, Orchids and most shade loving plants 
require an acid soil. Some like Gladiolus prefer mildly acid to neutral soils Beard- 
ed Iris do best in neutral to alkaline soils. The acid-alkali balance depends upon 
the concentration of hydrogen ions in a saturated solution. This is expressed in 
pH units. pH 7 is neutral. Below that the acidity increases; above it the alkalinity 
increases. For the mathematical, I will explain that the numeral is the negative 
logarith denoting the concentration of hydrogen ions in gram atoms per liter. 
Due to advance in prices we offer no soil testing kits at present. I suggest 
you purchase some blue litmus paper at drug store for a few cents. Moisten a 
bit of soil and press litmus paper against it. If paper remains blue after 10 
minutes, the soil is alkaline or neutral. If it turns red, it is acid. Positive indica- 
tion that soil is neutral is shown when neither red or blue litmus paper changes 
color. Degree of acidity or alkalinity is approximately indicated by final intensity 
of color as well as by rapidity of change. We still have a few kits at $1.25 ea. 
Canadian Peat. We can furnish this to near-by customers for $6.00 per bale, 
or 10 lbs. for $1.00. Or we will send 25 lbs. net in a strong burlap sack for $2.00 
f.o.b. La Verne. Buy locally if you can. If ordered, ask your Express Agent the 
rate. 
Rootone induces quick rooting of bulbs, cuttings and the sprouting of seed. 
As the result of its action bulbs make a more vigorous root system and grow 
larger and produce greater increase. Slightly moisten the base of the bulb and 
cover with a thin film of Rootone. Dip end of cuttings into the powder. Tumble 
seeds in a jar or seed envelope with the powder. Roll the coated seed out and 
save remaining powder. Price, one-half ounce, a good supply, 50c postpaid. 1-lb. 
can, for very extensive planting, $5.00. 
Vitamin B-1 is a useful stimulant for plants, we believe. We have used it in 
transplanting bulbs and other plants with apparent usefulness. 100 tablets, 75c. 
Directions for use, applying only to our own tablets. In transplanting bulbs 
or any plants, loose roots, dissolve 5 tablets in 1 gal. of water. Soak roots in this 
15 to 30 min. Pour solution around plant when set. To stimulate growing plants, 
for the first application, dissolve one tab. in 2 gal. water. For succeeding water- 
ings, use 1 tab. to 4 gal water once a week. Warning. Do not soak dormant 
bulbs in Vit. B-1. It rots them. 
Sources of more information. Subscribe for Flower Grower, Albany, New 
York. $2.50 per year. $4.00 for 2 years. Send directly to them. 
I cannot too strongly recommend Flower Grower. It is by far the most 
important garden magazine. It is wholly devoted to the subject of flower gar- 
dening. You will find therein articles written by leading experts and growers 
who have the knowledge of experience. Too often, writers ‘read up” on a sub- 
ject and the readers may be misled. 
Plant Societies are of the greatest value to amateur gardeners. Some of 
them issue year books or publications of great value. Others have meetings and 
lectures. I belong to and recommend those mentioned below but there. are many 
local groups as well as national, not mentioned, that are of great value. 
American Plant Life Society. Note mention of this under Amaryllidaceae. 
The American Horticultural So. publishes the National Horticultural Magazine, 
quarterly, which members receive. This beautifully printed and _ illustrated 
magazine covers entire field of horticulture. Send $5.00 annual dues, to Am. 
Horticultural So., 821 Washington Loan and Trust Bldg., Washington 4, D.C. 
The Midwest Hemerocallis So., send $3.00 to Pearl Sherwood, Atlantic, Iowa. .— 
North American Gladiolus Council, send $1.00 to A. Bazdorf, Lincoln Park, N. J. 
GARDEN REFERENCE BOOKS 
Bailey’s Cyclopedia of Horticulture. This 3-vol. set of over 3,600 pages de- 
scribes almost every cultivated plant and has a wealth of culture information. 
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