Soft and Fertflization 113 



the package, you are endangering the plant's life. 

 The manufacturers will usually recommend all it is 

 safe for you to use. They want to sell their fertili- 

 zer. 



An ounce of guano mixed in five or six quarts of 

 water makes an excellent liquid fertilizer for growing 

 plants. 



Do not apply nitrate of soda directly to the roots or 

 foliage of a plant. It is a very strong fertilizer and 

 will burn the tender plants. Buried in the soil 

 near the roots is the method of application. 



Old vegetation such as cabbage plants, cauli- 

 flower, leaves of beets, etc., should be buried or 

 piled up with earth thrown over it to make humus. 

 The soil needs an application of humus at least 

 once a year when the ground is in constant use. 



Lime is excellent for mixing with clay soil to make 

 it more friable. It should be mixed with the clay 

 and left to stand for several weeks before fertilizers 

 are added. 



Phosphatic rock sprinkled over manure when 

 preparing compost will strengthen the fertilizer and 

 cause the manure to rot quickly as well. The com- 

 post should be turned over every two or three 



