190 ELEMENTARY AGRICULTURE * 



and potatoes grow deeper and are able to feed where 

 the others could not. If vine crops are followed 

 with root crops, the latter will do well by feeding 

 below where the others did. Radishes, early lettuce, 

 spinach, or peas may be harvested early, and cab- 

 bage, beets, or late sweet corn planted in their 

 places. 



Planting Between Rows. Planting between rows 

 sometimes works well. In late June, when potato 

 \ ines are well started, and the rows are well cleaned, 

 late sweet corn is often planted between. However, 

 if the season is too dry, this may injure both crops. 

 Sowing turnips broadcast in late sweet corn or 

 among tomatoes and squash, is worth trying. 



Weeds. Weeds take moisture and plant food out 

 of the soil, and they spoil the shape of many vege- 

 tables by crowding in upon them as they grow. 

 They should not be allowed to reach the second leaf. 

 In hand weeding it is well to collect the weeds in 

 a basket. They sometimes take root again when 

 left on the mellow garden soils. When weeds get 

 a start, it is a good plan to cut off the tops with a 

 sickle before seed forms on them. Mulching be- 

 tween the rows with a layer of straw prevents weeds 

 from growing. 



Mulching. In a dry season, after plants have 

 been cultivated a few times and are well above 

 ground, hay or straw about four inches deep may 

 be put between the rows. This saves the labor of 

 weeding and keeps the soil moist and cool. It is 



