98 CALIFORNIA VEGETABLES 



At this point reference to the use of nitrates as an all-around pro- 

 motive agency of vegetable growth seems warranted. The nitrate 

 of soda is the old reliance of gardeners; the nitrate of lime is a 

 new aspirant for their favor. One particular point which favors 

 nitrates in addition to their immediate solubility and effect, is that 

 the plant is pushed early in its growth when perhaps temperatures 

 are too low for full action of other supplies of nitrogen, which the 

 soil may contain. Careful application should be made, after the seed 

 has germinated, during the early stages of growth of the plant which 

 it is desired to stimulate. An excessive application may kill the 

 plants and even distribution is essential, either over the whole 

 surface or along the row, at the rate of 200 to 500 pounds per acre, 

 according to the ability of the plant to use it to the grower's ad- 

 vantage. The nitrate is distributed to the roots by the use of very 

 little water ; too heavy rainfall or irrigation may carry it away from 

 them. Application must be made intelligently and sparingly at first 

 until the grower finds how much he can use to secure best results 

 with the particular plant he desires to push along. 



