238 VEGETABLE FORCING 



be no lack of organic matter, for this is important from 

 the standpoint of plant food as well as from that of the 

 most favorable physical conditions of the soil. A con- 

 stant and uniform supply of moisture in the beds is of 

 the utmost importance, and an abundance of decaying 

 vegetable matter is essential for the retention of moisture. 



There is likewise no difference of opinion in regard to 

 the condition of the manure when it is applied. All agree 

 that it should be well decayed. The pioneer gardeners 

 preferred cow manure for this crop, but any kind of old 

 manure will give satisfactory results. Some of the most 

 successful gardeners in this country and in England rely 

 wholly on the use of horse manure. Top-dressing with 

 poultry manure or liquid cow manure when the heads are 

 forming is recommended. Nitrate of soda may also be 

 used effectively as a top-dressing. In England a favorite 

 practice is to top-dress the beds with partly decayed 

 stable manure. 



A chemical analysis of cauliflower was made at the 

 Geneva (N. Y.) station, with the following results: 



Nitrogen Phosphoric Potash 



acid 



Head .279 .081 .326 



Leaves .363 .084 .470 



It will be observed that both the head and the leaves 

 require large amounts of nitrogen and potash. Inasmuch 

 as most soils are deficient in phosphorus, that element 

 should also be supplied in ample amount. 



Some of the most successful commercial growers 

 supplement stable manure with commercial fertilizers. 

 For example, one of the most extensive gardeners on 

 Long Island uses for cauliflower under glass a fertilizer 

 containing 7 per cent nitrogen, 8 per cent phosphoric 

 acid and 10 per cent potash. It is used at the rate of 

 1,000 pounds to the acre. If radishes and lettuce are 

 grown between the cauliflower plants, 1,500 pounds of 

 fertilizer to the acre is applied. 





