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Show r Horfictilfurd WATER KILLS MANY PLANTS Some Persons Labor Under Delusion That Moisture Must Be Applied Freely Every Day. More plants in the window-garden are killed, every year, by over-watering, than in any other way. Some persons per-sons labor under the delusion that water wa-ter must be appMed daily, and the consequence con-sequence is their plants are literally drowned out, unless they happen to have the best of drainage. Others go on the "little-and-often" plan that is, they apply water in small quantities whenever they happen hap-pen to think of it. The result is the surface of the soil is kept moist, and from this the owner takes it for granted that the soil beneath be-neath must be properly damp. Nine times out of ten examination will show that an inch or two below the surface the soil is dry. Of course the roots of the plants can not do their work under such conditions. The plant soon sickens and eventually dies and the owner wonders what caused the trouble. Now, in watering plants several things have to be considered. First, Gladiolus. the nature of the plant. Some like a good deal of water, others only a moderate mod-erate amount. Second, the soil. A close, loamy soil dries out slowly, therefore it will not require as frequent, or as large applications appli-cations as a light porous soil from which moisture evaporates rapidly. Third, location and exposures must be taken into consideration. Plants in the sun, or a very warm place, will need a good deal more water than those in full or partial shade, or a low temperature. Fourth, the size of the pot must be reckoned with. The soil in a large pot will not dry out for two or'three days, but the soil in a small pot will become quite dry every day. Little moisture needed. Fifth, a dormant plant requires but little water. It is not in a condition to make use of much water, and an oversupply of it will surely result in harm. Wnen the plant begins to grow, then increase the quantity and proportion this to the development made. All these things must receive due consideration by the amateur who would know how to care for his or her plants intelligently. Study them. Experiment with them. In this way you soon become familiar with the individuality in-dividuality of each one and you will be able to give to each the care it needs. We are often asked for some rules for watering plants. It is impossible to make any rule that can be followed strictly. The only rule I have ever been able to give is this: When the surface of the soil looks dry, water. Use enough to thoroughly saturate all the soil in the pot. You can tell about this by the escape es-cape of some at the bottom of the pot. Then wait until the dry look appears on the surface again, and apply water as before. But, as I have said, one will have to modify this rule to fit the conditions. condi-tions. It is a general rule, subject to such change as may appear necessary to the intelligent p'ant-grower who does not believe in treating all her plants exactly alike. Give fertilizers to growing plants only. A plant standing still needs none, and will be injured by the applications appli-cations of the food it is not in a condition con-dition to make use of. |