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PLANT TONICS
If a person Is feeling out of sorts a
tonic is generally taken. The same
thing applies to a plant, and the best
tonic known is liquid manure. If
foodstuffs are applied in a dissolved
form the roots absorb it more readily
than they could if the same manure
was due into the soil, becoming soluble
only gradually, as it absorbs moisture
quickly. Soluble plant foods, rich in
nitrogen, such as sulphate of am
monia, nitrate of potash, and nitrate
of soda, are especially useful as a
'pick-me-up' for plants. Care must
be taken not to apply it too strong,
as over-feeding produces a rank
growth, which fails to give a profitable
return. A tablespoonful to a gallon of
water is the usual strength recom
mended. Many, however, use these
salts in a dry form, sprinkling them ,
around the plants and watering heavily
with the hose. The plants feel the
effect almost at once, and one applica
tion serves for a fortnight or more.
When used in a dry state care must
be taken that none of the salts touch
the foliage.
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