192 AROUND THE YEAR IN THE GARDEN 



the better, particularly in the case of the clover, as the roots 

 are better protected if it has a chance to make considera- 

 ble growth before hard freezing. For a fifty-by-fifty-foot 

 patch about four pounds of vetch seed will be required, 

 with about half that amount of rye or wheat. 



The vetch may be sown as late as early October, but to 

 be ready to fork under early in spring it should be put in in 

 August or early September. A good way is to sow it with 

 the seed drill between the rows of maturing vegetables. 

 Rye will make a good start and come safely through even 

 severe winters when sown after the last hardy vegetables 

 have been taken up in late October or November. Use 

 a peck or so of seed for a fifty-by-fifty-foot space. 



At that time of the year there is likely to be continuous 

 dry weather. Sow in ground that has been specially dug 

 or cultivated. Get the seed well firmed in; roll with as 

 heavy a roller as possible when the seed is sown broadcast. 

 It is of importance, too, to have strong, fresh seed. If you 

 buy locally get seed with a name behind it. 



Assure Success by Inoculation 



Success with the various legumes cannot be made certain, 

 even when good seed is used and conditions are favorable, 

 unless the bacteria that live upon the particular kind of 

 plants to be sown are present in the soil. 



When a crop of the same kind has been grown on your 

 piece of ground, even if a number of years before, the soil 

 will usually be found all right in this respect. But when a 

 new thing is to be used artificial inoculation may be em- 

 ployed, at very little cost, to make success more sure. Soil 

 in which plants of the same kind have been grown will 

 answer the purpose. It should be freshly dug, kept from 

 the sunlight, applied on a cloudy day or late in the after- 

 noon, and immediately harrowed or raked in; otherwise, 

 the bacteria may be killed in the operation. A peck or 

 two will make an ample dressing for a fifty-by-fifty-foot 

 plot. 



