late fall or spring one may remove the tuber, 
brush off old soil and dead roots. Guard 
against brushing tubers and place them in flats 
covering with peat or leafmold to prevent 
shrinkage. All parts of the old stem should be 
removed at this time to prevent decay. 
DISEASES AND PESTS 
Tuberous begonias have very few diseases or 
pests, especially outside. With very little care 
your flowers and leaf growth should be perfect. 
ROT. A bruised tuber or stalk might start to 
decay. Expose bruised parts to sunlight, dust 
with bordeaux, charcoal, paris green or sulphur. 
A tuber may also decay if it is kept too moist 
or if stalk is broken off at the tuber. 
EATING INSECTS. The Cyclamen mite at- 
tacks the veins on the under side of the leaves 
and stems, causing leaves to curl, veins to turn 
brown and plant to stunt. Isolate from others 
and spray with a light oil as Volk, or any other 
spray suitable for mite control. The plant may 
not bloom satisfactorily that season but you 
can save the tuber for the next year. To prevent, 
keep leaves and soil moist, and spray occa- 
sionally with a weak solution of garden volk. 
APHIS, WORMS AND LARVAE from butter- 
flies are best controlled by spraying with 
chlordane or malathon, 
SNAILS, SLUGS AND SOWBUGS are con- 
trolled by the use of poisons used for that 
purpose. 
SPOTTED MILDEW 
Caused by prolonged periods of overcast 
weather and lack of air circulation; can be con- 
trolled by the use of Cuper Dust #8, a dust; or 
Thane, a wettable powder. Koppersol or Ortho 
garden fungicide with capton have also proven 
excellent control. Either method must be used 
regularly over a week or ten days until changes 
in weather conditions prevents its spreads. 
OTHER PRECAUTIONS 
Too much water and shade causes spindly 
plants and poor blooms. 
Too much water and hot, dry weather causes 
buds to fall off. 
Too much fertilizer causes leaves to curl 
under and plant to wilt. The main point is not 
to overdo. Treat them as you do other plants. 
If you do not have a suitable place to grow 
begonias our suggestion is to build a small, 
ornamental lath house. You will also find it 
excellent for other plants. 
Come to see us and we will be pleased to 
help you. Your success is our success. 
