SUCCESS IN MARKET GARDENING 



will succeed best in soil naturally strong and rich, 

 and on a recently turned sod. The best way is 

 to turn the land over at the proper time and apply 

 about five cords of manure broadcast, using a 

 spreader where one can be had. After harrowing 

 thoroughly the ground should be marked off for 

 hills, six feet apart each way. A shovelful of fine 

 manure should be applied in the hills, which should 

 be slightly raised, so that water will not stand 

 around the plants. Seven or eight seeds should 

 be put in a hill so as to make allowance for insects. 

 The planting may be done about May 15th. 



After the plants have got their fourth leaf well 

 out, and have obtained a good start, they should 

 be thinned to three in a hill. Cultivate both ways 

 thoroughly, the same as a crop of squash or other 

 vines would be treated. They should never be 

 hoed or worked around when the leaves are wet 

 with rain or dew. 



In picking for market, it is an easy matter to 

 tell when the fruit is fit to be taken, as the under 

 side of the melon will be lightly streaked with 

 yellow. If picked then and exposed to the sun 

 for a couple of days, they will be ready for the 

 table of the consumer. 



[176] 



