82 VEGETABLE FORCING 



were 16 rows of Grand Rapids plants. The results were 

 as follows : 



Manure mulch Pounds Ounces 



First crop 48 



Second crop 55 



Total 103 9 



Straw mulch Pounds Ounces 



First crop 48 8 



Second crop 51 2 



Total 99 10 



Notwithstanding the striking results of the Ohio ex- 

 periments, especially with regard to disease, mulching 

 has not become widely popular. It is apparently an ideal 

 method of soil preparation in small houses, and it is 

 worthy of more general trial in the large commercial 

 establishments. Except for the destruction of nematode 

 worms, mulching might take the place of steam steriliza- 

 tion. There is also evidence that the constantly moist 

 condition of the soil under the mulch is unfavorable to 

 the existence of nematodes. 



Plowing and harrowing. The plow is becoming in- 

 creasingly popular in the preparation of greenhouse soils. 

 Experience has demonstrated its entire success. It is a 

 labor-saving device and a relief to the drudgery of soil 

 preparation. There is no evidence to show that spading 

 is any better than plowing, especially if the soil is well 

 filled with organic matter. A horse can be handled 

 better than a team, and with the light, level, easily tilled 

 soil of most greenhouses a strong horse will have no diffi- 

 culty in drawing a two-horse moldboard plow, although 

 some growers prefer the smaller, one-horse plows. After 

 plowing, a half section of any of the standard types of 

 harrows may be used until the soil is thoroughly pulver- 

 ized. The surface should be left smooth and even. 

 Flankers or plank drags will be found desirable for that 



