As the great proportion of greenhouse plants are now commencing, or are
in active growth, constant attention will be required for the judicious
regulation of temperature, and for the admission of fresh air during
fickle and ungenial weather, and in the supply of water to the roots,
and atmospheric moisture.
When settled fine spring weather has arrived, every plant which
inhabits a pot should be brought at once under review, and put in proper
condition for the growing season. No fear need then be apprehended from
potting. Keep up a moist atmosphere by sprinkling, &c., and admit plenty
of air, bearing in mind former directions as to draughts, &c. If the
plants in the borders, or any of the climbers, are dry, give them a good
soaking of weak, tepid manure water. Trellis climbers to be frequently
attended to--stopping, training, and arranging their shoots.
Balsams.--Encourage the growth of them and other such tender annuals by
potting them when the roots begin to cluster round the side of the pot.
Calceolarias (Herbaceous).--Shift on the young stock, keeping the plants
well down in the pots, so as to bring the earth in the pots up to the
lowermost leaves, to induce the plants to throw out fresh rootlets from
the stem. Keep a sharp look out for green fly.
Climbers.--Prune off superfluous shoots; stop or pinch out the tops of
gross leaders, and keep them neatly tied and trained.
Cockscombs.--To remain in small pots until they begin to show flower.
Dahlias.--Pot off cuttings as soon as struck.
Fuchsias.--Continue to shift young plants into larger-sized pots,
according to their height and strength; to be kept growing by placing
them in a brisk, moist heat. Cuttings to be potted off as soon as they
are sufficiently rooted; to be placed in a temperature similar to that
in which they were struck.
Sow in heat seeds of stove and greenhouse plants.