THE VEGETABLE GARDEN 249 



Setting poles. After the soil is ready for planting, set 

 a post at each, end of the row and stretch a wire between 

 the posts. It may be placed about four feet from the 

 ground. Select poles that are six or seven feet long and 

 from one to two inches in diameter. Drive them a foot 

 into the ground and fasten the wire to them. 



Culture. Never cultivate beans when the leaves are 

 wet, but always hoe before the ground becomes hard 

 from rains. Keep the soil loose to a depth of two inches. 

 Pull weeds growing near the stems. A top-dressing of 

 poultry manure, ashes, or compost around the plants will 

 be of much benefit, hastening maturity and increasing 

 the yield. During hot weather draw fine soil around the 

 vines to serve as a dust mulch for retaining moisture. 



Diseases. For anthracnose, or " pod spot," spray with 

 weak Bordeaux mixture or with sulfur in water, and 

 avoid low, damp ground. Rotate the crop. Spray with 

 Bordeaux mixture for rust. 



Pests. If the seeds contain weevils, scatter them in 

 a pan of water and reject all that float. For leaf beetle, 

 spray with arsenate of lead. Wash green beans carefully 

 before using if the plants have been sprayed with arse- 

 nate of lead. 



BEETS 



Varieties. There are two leading classes of beets : 

 the shortrseason, turnip varieties for early summer or 

 late fall use, and the larger kinds. The turnip-shaped 

 beets make a rapid growth and will be ready for use 



