JUNE: FOURTH WEEK 161 



essary, as close as eighteen inches. Or the plants may be 

 set eight to twelve inches apart each way, so that they will 

 crowd enough to grow upright and blanch themselves. 

 When space is very limited, this method may be used to 

 advantage; but the stalks of the individual plants do not 

 get so large, and, in order for this system to be successful, 

 the soil must be enriched to the limit and an abundance of 

 water applied every few days. Another method is to plant 

 in double rows, six inches apart, so two rows may be planted 

 together. This is advisable when blanching is to be done 

 by hilling with earth. With boards or individual blanchers 

 it is of little advantage, except that more plants can be 

 grown in a limited space. The plants are set about six 

 inches apart in the rows. 



After the soil is ready, if water is to be used, open up a 

 shallow trench the length of each row with the wheel hoe 

 and turn in the water until it is well rilled. If necessary fill 

 it several times, until the soil at the bottom is well saturated. 

 If this can be done in the morning conditions will be right 

 for planting in the late afternoon. If not enough water is 

 available to flood a trench in this way dig small holes with 

 the hoe or trowel where the plants are to be set and pour half 

 a pint or more of water into each. 



Watering on the surface after setting the plants, unless 

 it can be done with an irrigating outfit that will soak the 

 ground thoroughly, is of little use. 



Shading the plants from the hot sun, however, keeps them 

 from wilting. A wide board set on edge at an angle on the 

 sunny side of the row, and held in place by short stakes, is 

 a quick and effective method of supplying shade. When 

 only a few plants are set newspapers may be arched over 

 the rows and held in place with soil. If the weather remains 

 bright and hot the protection may be left on for several 

 days after planting; the plants will get enough light and air 

 without removal at night. 



