Gladiolus 
Gladiolus are among the easiest of all flowers to grow. 
But while they stand neglect better than most plants, 
they also respond beautifully to proper treatment. So it 
is well to note these brief points: 
Soil should be well drained, sandy loam, preferably 
where no glads have been grown for the past 3 years. 
Cultivation to a depth of about 18 inches is highly de- 
sirable. 
Full sun is best, although they do fairly well in partial 
shade. Glads may be set out as soon as frost is out of the 
ground, but extra-early planting gains little. A succes- 
sion of plantings about ten days apart gives a long 
blooming season. 
Depth of planting should be no more than 4” in heavy 
soil and 5 to 6” in light, sandy soil. Planting Glad bulbs 
too shallow in light soil will cause them to topple over 
or grow at bad angles. Space bulbs 3” apart in rows 18 
to 30” apart. Be sure to eliminate air pockets under the 
bulbs. 
Place bulbs in a well worked trench in staggered or zig- 
zag row—and cover at first with about two inches of 
loam. When shoots begin to appear, work balance of 
loam into the trench. 
Watering is important. Glads need an abundance of 
moisture, especially after the plant is well developed. 
Cut the spike when first bud fully opens. The other buds 
will open nicely and give you a longer period of bloom. 
When cutting gladioli, it is very important to leave 
two or three of the broadest leaves at the base of the 
stalk. 
Insect Control—lIt is wise not to delay your weekly dust- 
ing or spraying program after the sixth leaf has ap- 
peared. D.D.T. dust or spray is almost universally used 
today. A 5% dust is quite effective. Spray should be 
applied in a fine mist under heavy pressure. Ask us 
about our new insecticides. 
40 
Eighth Annual Peony Show 
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 
June 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. 
at THE GARDEN STORE 
Main Floor—107 East Third St. 
Mark your calendar now to be sure and visit 
this spectacular show. On display at this time 
will be some 100 or more varieties of the world’s 
finest through the cooperation of the WAS- 
SENBERG GARDENS of Van Wert, Ohio— 
peony center of the world. Orders may be 
placed for any of these varieties at the show 
with the assurance that the flowers you grow 
will be precisely like the specimen blooms from 
which you ordered. All orders placed will be 
delivered in September at proper planting 
time, complete with planting directions. 
Dahiias 
Any reasonably careful gardener can grow dahlias 
easily and successfully. 
Soil needs of dahlias are no different than those of a 
good vegetable garden. Drainage and porosity are im- 
portant. 
Fertilizing calls for nothing more than a good balanced 
commercial fertilizer. Planting is simple. Set stout stakes 
first. Plant the tuber in a hole 6 inches deep, with eye 
up, and neck near stake. Cover with just enough soil to 
hide the tuber. As the eye grows, keep filling in soil. 
Jiffy Bulb Planter 
Here is the finest tool offered to save 
your back and do a proper job of bulb 
planting. Cuts a cylindrical hole up to 
10 inches deep. Ideal for bulbs or plants. 
Built for a lifetime of service. Makes a 
flat bottom hole, leaving no air pockets 
under the bulb. All steel construction; 
tubular steel handle. A real labor saver— 
and the job is done so much better. 
sein aa. eh 
Hole-in-One 
Bulb Planter 
A very useful hand tool for 
planting bulbs, ete., in loose, 
porous soil. Will make holes up 
to 5 inches deep. 
OSL 958 Be 6 (ee oF eee) 6) ele 10) 6s 
