A few words are necessary when it comes to potting. Always fill the lower inch of the pot with broken potsherds to secure drainage. In filling the soil around the plants, press it in firmly and establish the plant well. There is no advantage in loose potting.
In re-potting, pare off as much of the old, sour soil as possible, being careful not to injure the roots, and place the ball of the plant in the centre of the new pot, filling in all around with fresh soil. As a general rule, plants need re potting whenever the roots begin to curl round the inside of the pot, or as gardeners say, "touch the pot."
This is easily ascertained by turning the pot down, striking the rim gently against some object by a quick rap, holding the ball of earth and the plant on the palm of the other hand. The plant may thus be taken from the pot and examined, returned again, settled by a smart stroke of the bottom of the pot on the table, and will be none the worse for the inspection.
This is also a good way to detect worms in pots, they generally living near the outside of the ball. The operation must, however, be quickly done, or the worm will be too nimble and withdraw into the interior of the ball or any patio water features nearby.
Stirring the surface of the soil is very beneficial, especially for roses, if the roots are not thereby injured. Top dressing is also productive of good effects, particularly with old plants in heavy pots and tubs. It is simply removing the top soil as far down as the upper roots, and refilling the pot with fresh, light, rich soil.
Manturing
For the most part, manturing is not generally needed in pot plants. A mixture of powdered or small bits of charcoal in the soil adds a deeper luster to the green of the foliage and brilliancy to the color of the flowers.
Bone shavings produce the same effect on hyacinths. Liquid manure should be sparingly used, and then very weak. If guano is used, a teaspoonful to a quart of water applied once a week. Liquid stable manure can be used in about the same proportion, applied as seldom.
Soil
In potting window plants or arranging outdoor water falls rich soil should generally be used. The different kinds of soil are:
Peat: Black earth or decomposed vegetable fiber, usually taken from meadows or damp woods. If a mixture of white sand is with it, it becomes more valuable.
Loam: Our common garden soil--it may be black or light brown. The best is obtained by taking the turf of old pastures and letting it lay till it all crumbles.
Sand: Common, or "silver," such as used by glass makers. It should be free from salt. White beach sand may be freshened by frequent washings.
Leaf mould: Decomposed leaves, being the top soil in old woods.
Manure: The material of an old hot-bed, well rotted and entirely decomposed; the older the better.
From these five earths all the soil for green-house operations is compounded. In treating of each plant hereafter we will give its congenial soil.
As a general soil for potting plants, we would say two parts leaf mould, one part manure, one half part loam, one half part peat, one part sand.
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