Fourth Week

GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY.



The compost intended for the plants in these houses should be prepared

and sweetened by several turnings; and a sufficient supply for immediate

use should be stored in an open shed.



Calceolarias (Herbaceous).--To be potted into larger pots as they

require them; compost equal parts of turfy loam, peat, and leaf mould,

with a sprinkling of silver sand. To be kept in a moderately-moist

atmospheric temperature of from 45 deg. at night to 55 deg. in the day.

To be slightly syringed with tepid water on sunny days, and to be kept

free from insects.



Fuchsias.--After the old plants are shaken out of their pots, and their

roots reduced and fresh potted in a compost of turfy loam and peat,

with a little leaf mould and some sand added, to be introduced to a

temperature of 60 deg.. When some of the young shoots are an inch long

they may be taken off, and inserted in pans of sand kept damp, where

they will soon take root, and will require to be pushed on in heat to

make fine large specimens for the conservatory or flower garden.



New Holland Plants.--Water them with care and moderation. Air to be

given freely night and day in mild weather. Fire heat to be applied

only, and then merely sufficiently, to exclude frost. The strong shoots

of the vigorous young stock to be stopped in due time as the best

foundation for future good specimens.



Sow seeds of Thunbergias, Phlox Drummondi, Mignonette, Ten-week and

other Stocks, in pots, to be placed upon a slight hotbed.





STOVE AND ORCHID-HOUSE.



Achimenes.--Place the tubers thickly in pans, to be potted singly as

they appear, in equal portions of leaf mould and sandy loam; to be

started into growth in a moderate bottom heat.



Gloxinias.--Select a few varieties. To be shaken out, and fresh potted

in equal parts of turfy loam and heath soil and a little sand. To be

excited in bottom heat.



Gesnera zebrina.--Those which were first in flower should be dried off

for early work next season. This is to be done by withholding water

gradually, and by keeping their foliage still exposed to the light.



Sow seeds of Egg Plants, Cockscombs, Amaranths, and other such tender

annuals in heat, to grow them in good time into fine specimens for the

adornment of the conservatory in summer.





FORCING-HOUSES.



Cucumbers.--The plants preparing for ridging out early in February will

require attention in airing, and watering with tepid water occasionally

when dry, and to be kept close to the glass to produce sturdy growth.

The plants on dung-beds require great attention at this season. To be

kept within eight or nine inches of the glass; to be stopped regularly;

and to maintain a heat of not less than 70 deg. by day; to be able

to give air to dry the plants. The fermenting materials to be always

prepared ready to receive the linings when the heat declines. For those

who are fortunate enough to be provided with pits heated by hot-water

pipes, such constant labour and attention will not be necessary.



Melons.--To be treated as advised for Cucumbers.



Peaches.--When the blossoms are beginning to expand, discontinue

syringing, but sprinkle the pathways, to produce a moist, but not too

damp, and consequently a healthy, state of the atmosphere. Fresh air is

indispensable and should be admitted at every favourable opportunity;

and if the cold external air could be made to pass over the flues, or

hot-water pipes, so as to get warmed before coming in contact with the

blossoms, a gentle circulation would be constantly kept up until the

fruit is fairly set.



Pines.--Great care is necessary when syringing, more especially those

that are about throwing up their flower-stems, that no more water may

lodge in the hearts of the plants than will evaporate during the day.

But if, from any cause, a portion remain until evening, it should be

drawn away by means of a syringe having a long and narrow tube at the

end of it, or by a piece of sponge tied to the point of a small stick.



Strawberries.--When these are throwing up their blossom-spikes a little

liquid manure may be given, but it should be very weak, and perfectly

clear. A succession of plants to be introduced where there is a gentle

heat. The decayed leaves to be trimmed off, the surface of the soil to

be stirred, and the pots to be placed on shelves near the glass.



Vines.--Continue the treatment as advised last week.



Keep up a succession of Kidney Beans, Asparagus, Sea-kale, and Rhubarb.





PITS AND FRAMES.



Cuttings of Anagallis, Heliotropes, Geraniums, Lobelias, Salvias, and

Verbenas may now be struck in a gentle bottom heat, and pushed forward

to make good sized plants for bedding out when all danger from frost is

over.