Parichand's Correspondence with The Mother

15 September 1938

Mother,

While top-dressing the rose plants, we very often come across roots only an inch or so below the surface; the roots come practically to the surface. In such cases we cannot provide the plants with sufficient manure and soil unless we damage the roots.

I feel that I should not allow the roots to be cut, but the question of nourishment comes in. I am, of course, applying bone meal to almost all the plants. What else can I do?

The roots must be coming at the surface because when pushing downward they meet with the obstacle of the pot. Is it good to bury the pot in the ground like that? I always heard it was not as it favours the growth of worms.

In this connection I should like to know if You approve of the use of chemicals such as sulphate of ammonia, sulphate of potash, super-phosphate of lime, etc. in the case of rose plants. I remember reading somewhere that such chemical manures should be used very cautiously, otherwise they may spell disaster. So I have refrained from applying them till now. But if You permit me to apply them, I shall inform You of the chemicals prescribed by the Rosarians and also the dose to be given.

It would be better to know first if these chemicals are at all recommended for the rose plants by the experts.

Blessings

15 September 1938