Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 238, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 October 1913 — MULCHING SOIL TO RETAIN MOISTURE [ARTICLE]

MULCHING SOIL TO RETAIN MOISTURE

Sprinkling Pot Should Be Thrown Away When Water Becomes Scarce Quantity.

(By L. M. BENNINGTON.)

When water gets scarce throw away your watering pot, or rather your sprinkling pot. At such a time It is a menace to the life of the flowers when In the hands of the novlce'who "scatters pearly drops” upon the flowers’ stalks, and give* the roots none. Remember that when water 1* scarce the spade or hoe can do wonders when tn the hands of the enen> getlc person who knows how to use these tools. * Deeply dug soil retains moisture far longer than that stirred to a shallow depth. Keep the surface soil loose and light, giving the plants a surface or dust mulch with a sharp hoe. Mulches of all kinds are beneficial —fallen leaves, weeds pulled from the garden, lawn clippings. Potted plants should be thoroughly watered so that the heart of the roots receives its share of moisture. Redded plants, however, can exist without watering, but if you give them any. give them plenty. The lawn should never be “spilnkled,” but if possible let the hose run on it for hours after sunset. Unless one has an unlimited supply of water do not water the lawn, but save the water for the bed borders and vegetable gardens.