THE VEGETABLE GARDEN 199 



marked off on these, no other measure will be needed 

 for finding out how far apart the rows are to be. 



The wheel hoe. One of the most convenient tools is 

 the wheel hoe. A single implement costing from three 

 to four dollars will answer the purpose, although better 

 work can be done with one of the more expensive kinds. 



The one shown in Fig. 107 may be used in any garden 

 where the rows are a foot apart. It will save time even 

 if the rows are no longer than ten feet. With rows 

 thirty inches apart it may either straddle the rows or 

 run between them. Where the rows are closer together, 

 it may be used with one wheel. Under favorable condi- 

 tions it can be pushed straight ahead, but better results 

 may be obtained by using it with successive strokes, 

 varying the length to suit the nature of soil and crop. 



FERTILIZERS 



Nitrate of soda. At the rate of two hundred pounds per 

 acre nitrate of soda may usually be applied to gardens with 

 profit. Scatter the nitrate broadcast on the land at the 

 time of planting and cultivate immediately afterwards. 



Mixed fertilizers. A mixed fertilizer that contains 

 nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash in about the right 

 proportions may be made as follows : 



