eased bulbs dug and discarded as soon as obser- 
ved. Gladiolus prefer a slightly acid soil but will 
tolerate a wide range in pH from fairly acid to a 
neutral soil. Plow or spade deeply and incor- 
porate a complete fertilizer such as 5-10-5 at the 
rate of 2 pounds per 100 sq. ft., by broadcasting 
over the surface prior to plowing or spading or 
before raking or harrowing. Manure should not 
be mixed with the soil in the spring, but well 
rotted cow manure may be applied in the fall. 
TREATMENT OF BULBS: 100% ‘‘clean’’ bulbs 
are hard to find, as an invisible surface infec- 
tion may be present. As a precautionary measure 
it is wise to treat the bulbs with a disinfectant, 
after discarding all that show visible indications 
of rot. For the average gardener or amateur grow- 
er the Lysol treatment is very satisfactory. Lysol 
can be obtained at any drug store and is a safe 
compound to use. Soak bulbs and bulblets for 3 
hours, just before planting, in a solution pre- 
pared at the rate of 1 teaspoonful of Lysol to 1 
quart of water. Allow to drain for 30 minutes and 
plant bulbs and bulblets while still wet. 
An alternate disinfecting treatment which 
many growers have found very satisfactory is 
dusting the bulbs with Arasan. Arasan may be 
purchased at most seed stores and can be ap- 
plied, full strength, to the bulbs by means of a 
dust-gun or, a small amount of the material may 
be placed in a tough paper bag along with a doz- 
en or more bulbs and the bag shaken or rolled 
around (with the top held closed) until the bulbs 
are covered. When Arasan dust is used it is not 
necessary to plant the bulbs immediately 
PLANTIN«u:. Planting may be started as soon as 
the ground is dry enough to work safely. Plant- 
ings of the earlier varieties made in April should 
bloom by mid-July or early August. Space the 
rows 18 to 30 inches apart and open the trenches 
with a hoe, spade or plow, to a depth that you in- 
(2) 
