( 









CUTTING S§5 
Siar 
| Cll P ointers 
SOILS 
Aeration 
Proper drainage and proper aeration of the soil are very vital to good growth. Many times improper 
drainage of the bench or bed is the reason for a poor crop. No wet spots should ever be ae 
Soil drainage may be improved by the addition of various materials. Any coarse organic material 
such as manure, alfalfa hay or clover hay applied at the rate of not to exceed one-fourth the 
volume will separate the soil particles sufficiently to increase pore space. Heavy applications of 
sand to a soil have not always proven of value to a chrysanthemum crop. Aeration may also be 
increased by proper cultivation of the soil. Frequent scratchings are recommended during the early 
_ growth of the crop. 
Soil Management 
Soils vary a great deal over the country and yet many good crops of chrysanthemums are grown on 
all types of soil. Soil itself is not the most important but soil management is of extreme importance. 
In considering the management of soil the following pointers are suggested: 
1. Apply a quarter of the volume of manure or other organic substitute once a 
year, usually just before steam sterilization. 
2. Steam sterilize the soil to a temperature of 180°F. once a year. 
_ 3. After sterilization leach with 7 gallons of water per square foot. The amount 
~ will vary with the type of soil. 
4. Apply 5 pounds of gypsum (Calcium 
sulfate) per 100 square feet. Apply 
gypsum just before planting. 
5. Test soil for acidity and make correc- 
tion before planting. 
6. Apply 5 pounds ‘of super phosphate 
per 100 square feet of area once a 
year. Better to have an excess of phos- 
phorus than a lack. 
7. Wait seven days from time of steriliza- 
_tion to planting. 
8. Maintain the following nutrient levels: 
Nitrate Nitrogen 5— 10 p.p.m. 
Phosphorus 5— 10  p.p.m. 
Potassium 20 — 40 p.p.m. 
Calcium 200 — 250 p.p.m. 
Solubridge reading low 
9. Water thoroughly at every watering. 
10. Apply a complete fertilizer at time of 
bud initiation. Heavy watering and 
light on the fertilizer will make chrysan- Terminal Spray Formation Resulting 
themums grow. From Time Pinching 

