288 A YEAR IN AGRICULTURE 



save the moisture and make the preparation of the soil much 

 easier, a fact to be considered. 



Fertilizing the garden. For the vegetable garden manure 

 is the best general fertilizer. It should be applied in the fall 

 and turned under. If, however, it is applied in the spring, 

 it should be well-rotted manure. Rotted manure is some- 

 times used for top-dressing purposes for the growing crops. 

 Lime should be used every few years, as the large amount of 

 decaying organic matter in vegetable lands is constantly caus- 

 ing the formation of acids in the soil. Crop refuse, unless 

 affected with some serious disease or insect, should always 

 be turned under in preference to removing or burning it. 

 The garden is a good place to burn all trash that accumu- 

 lates about the yard or farm. The ashes add both potassium 

 and lime. Any organic matter that will rot easily and quickly 

 should be plowed under, and leaves, branches, etc. should be 

 burned. If manure is scarce, one can grow cow-peas, soy 

 beans, or rye to help keep up the supply of organic matter. 



Commercial fertilizers can often be used effectively in the 

 garden. For nitrogen, sodium nitrate is usually the best 

 form. It should be applied as a top dressing to the growing 

 plants, using 80 to 100 pounds per acre, and applying at 

 intervals of ten days to two weeks. The nitrate should be 

 scattered about the plants, taking care that none gets on the 

 leaves. It should be cultivated into the soil. It may also be 

 spread broadcast before or during a rain. The number of 

 applications will depend upon the length of the growing sea- 

 son for the crop treated. In case of crops which, bear fruit, 



