Soil Ingredients

A sufficient quantity of soil constituents should be kept on hand in

barrels or covered boxes. Store where they will not dry out.



Rich Loam or Rotted Sod. This is the basis of most plant soils. Keep a

good supply ahead, that it may be thoroughly decomposed.



Sand. What is known as "Builders' Sand," medium, coarse and gritty, is

the proper kind. Contrary to some horticultural superstitions, it makes

no difference what the color is, "silver" or gray, red, white or yellow.



Leaf-mould. Easily procured by scraping aside the top layer near some

stone wall or hollow in the woods where leaves collect and rot from year

to year.



Sphagnum moss is another very valuable accessory. It can be gathered

in most swampy places or bought cheaply at the florist's.



Peat. Not obtainable in all localities, but it can be bought cheap

from florists. Found under mucky bog-swamps but must be thoroughly dried

and pulverized before use.



Bone meal. This is invaluable for enriching plant soil. (See page

19.) The fine sort, sometimes called bone flour, is the quickest acting.

For plants that stay potted for several years, it is best to use about

two-thirds of the coarse-ground.