STARTING EARLY PLANTS 257 



Among the methods to be used in the improvement of the 

 heavier types of soil are deep tillage (see Fig. 71) and occasional 

 use of lime, particularly after organic matter has been plowed 

 under. There should be care in the use of lime as it should not 

 be applied to those portions of the garden which are to be used 

 the same year for potatoes and other root crops. 



A Compost. Well rotted manure is best for gardens. The 

 seeds are usually small, and coarse material as well as clods on 

 the surface, are very objectionable. Make the surface fine and 

 mellow. The farmer, in studying conditions for a good home gar- 

 den can well follow the example of the market gardener. The 

 latter plans ahead in preparing for a supply of well rotted manure. 

 He usually keeps a compost heap rotting for use a few months 

 later. To avoid damage to the manure in a compost heap it may 

 be prevented from heating by leaving the surface flat so as to catch 

 an abundance of rain, and to prevent leaching the manure is 

 placed in layers alternated with thick grass sods or other absorbing 

 material. The compost is much improved by moving it at least 

 once during the rotting period. This is done by forking it over 

 into a new pile, during which the layers are more thoroughly mixed. 



Commercial fertilizers are often used by market gardeners 

 and are most common where barnyard manure cannot be ob- 

 tained at a reasonable cost. It should never become necessary 

 to entirely abandon the use of green manure and barnyard manure. 

 These help more in keeping up the proper texture of soil so neces- 

 sary in good gardening. Commercial fertilizers, if used, should 

 be supplemental to the others, and not entirely displace them. 

 A good general mixture for use for either home gardens or for 

 market garden truck is the following : 



Nitrate of soda 250 Ibs. 



Ground bone 100 " 



Acid phosphate 550 " 



Muriate of potash 100 " 



This has a composition of about four per cent nitrogen, seven 

 per cent available phosphoric acid and five per cent potash. 

 The rate of application for market crops may be about 800 pounds 

 per acre, but the amount should vary according to the fertility of 

 the soil. 



Starting Early Plants. There are a number of plants, such 

 as early cabbage and others, that should be started earlier 

 than the season will permit in the open field. Where small num- 

 17 



