BULB GROWING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 April 1941, Page 8

BULB GROWING

IN POTS AND BOWLS. FASCINATING HOBBY FOR WOMEN. Bulb growing in pots and bowls is a fascinating hobby for the woman whose health is not robust enough tc permit gardening out of doors, or for the flat-dweller whose garden is limited to a window ledge. Hyacinths arcgenerally first favourites for indoors on account of their rare beauty and delightful fragrance, but others, such as crocus, daffodils, jonquils, la.chenalia (these make an attractive filling for hanging baskets if , combined with mess), muscari, snowflakes, and tulips are equally interesting to grow. If bulbs are grown in ordinary red earthenware pots, wash the pots well and dry them before using, and place broken crocks or pebbles in the bottom for drainage. Use rich, friable, loamy soil, and plant the bulbs so that the crowns are about an inch below the surface. Do not let the bulbs touch each other. Water well and place in a shady, cool place till the tips of the foliage appear. They may then be removed gradually into the light, and later to a sunny position on the window ledge. Any kind of receptacle in crockery, glass, or tin that will hold water may be used for growing bulbs indoors, and fibrous mixtures, such as coconut, fibre or moss fibre, may be used as root medium. These fibres require no drainage, are obtainable from any seed store, and. are quite inexpensive. A few pieces of charcoal should be mixed with the fibre to prevent it from turning sour. Soak the fibre in water, then squeeze with the hand until it is just damp, but not saturated, then fill the bowls to within an inch of the top. Put the bulbs in and work the fibre in firmly with the fingers. Keep in shade till tips appear, then gradually bring info the light.