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Cactus Propagation - Propagating by Seed. The potting compost and coarse sand is sifted through a 1 inch mesh. In the bottom of each 3" plastic pot, put 1" of coarse washed gravel. Then fill the pot to within 1" of the top with the above compost, press down lightly and see th... more

Temperature and House Plants - A chief consideration is the temperature of the room in which the plants are to live. If the night temperature falls to between 7° and 10° C., choose only the hardiest kinds, If the minimum night temperature is maintained at 10° to 15°C., intermediate pla... more

Sowing Seed in Cold Frames - If cold frames are used and the seeds are sown in pots, pans or boxes and placed inside the frame to germinate, the procedure is much the same as already described; the only difference being that there is no artificial heating and therefore the germinatio... more

Propagating Cactus by Cuttings - The best time to take cuttings is early spring. Once the cutting has rooted pot up in the usual way. Another way to obtain offsets is to temporarily deform a plant by beheading it. This forces the plant to produce offsets around the edge of the cutting.... more

Seedling Transplanting - Transplanting of seedlings should be done as soon as the seedlings produce their first true leaf. The earliest "leaves" to appear are the cotyledons or seed leaves; their shape is normally simple and different from that of the true or normal leaves of the... more

When to Plant Roses - All types of dormant rose-bushes can be planted. The season selected depends upon factors such as soil and climate. In heavy soils which hold much moisture, planting in early spring is often more successful. A planting in late August or during September i... more

Repotting Houseplants - Frequent repotting of house plants is unnecessary, and generally plants placed in containers 5 in. or larger in diameter can stay in the same pots for 12 to 18 months. Most kinds will thrive in pots that appear too small for them, and many that have fille... more

Bonsai Display - Usually bonsai are brought inside only for display. Since they are viewed from the front and at eye level they must be placed on a stand, shelf or table. The background should be light, plain-muted colour without design. Companion pieces such as stones, s... more

Pruning Roses - The most common error made in pruning roses is the location of the cut in relation to the dormant eyes or buds on the stems. Every rose stem, either on a bush in a dormant state or on one in full growth, has a number of growing points, or buds, often hard... more