56 MARKET GARDENING 



apply 1000 to 2000 pounds per acre of a high grade fertilizer. 

 In the fall broadcast rotted manure at the rate of at least 

 20 cords per acre and let it lay on the ground over the winter. 

 The manure should be disced in in the spring, 



II. BEANS 



Soils. Beans do well on almost any kind of soil if 

 it contains a reasonable quantity of humus. Light, well- 

 drained soils, however, are especially desirable. Bush beans 

 do best in sandy soils. Lima beans are the most difficult 

 to grow as they require a long season to reach maturity and 

 are very susceptible to adverse conditions, such as wet 

 ground at the time of planting or continued cold weather. 



Planting. Beans should not be planted until danger 

 of frost is passed and the ground is well warmed, although 

 the bush varieties are more resistant to cold than are the 

 pole beans. Beans may be planted in hills or drills as 

 desired. The distance between rows of bush beans, where 

 horse cultivation is practiced, is thirty inches to thirty-six 

 inches. When hand cultivation is practiced, it is best not 

 to plant in rows closer than eighteen or twenty inches. The 

 seed should be of the best quality. Pole beans should be 

 planted in hills three or four feet apart. 



Bush beans are usually planted in a drill, the depth of 

 planting varying with the kind of soil and the season of 

 planting, from one inch in heavy soils to three inches in 

 lighter soils. 



Use of Supports. Wire trellises may be used, or 

 poles seven feet or more in height, for the support of the 

 pole beans. The bark should be left on the poles that the 

 beans may have a rough surface on which to cling. 



Cultivation. Frequent and thorough cultivation should 



