38 GROW YOUR OWN VEGETABLES 



a thousand, and a moderate-sized poppy at least 

 ten to fifteen thousand seeds, the force of the adage 

 that " one year's seeding is seven years' weeding " is 

 obvious. Further, as many weeds produce seeds which 

 do not germinate uniformly, the mischief is greater than 

 at first sight appears, for they may lie dormant in the 

 soil and, come up subsequently at inconvenient times. 

 The prevention of seeding should extend to weeds 

 growing in hedgerows, and on roadsides and waste places, 

 etc. 



2. Deep digging is sometimes resorted to with con- 

 siderable success, many weeds rotting when deeply 

 buried. Others, however, remain dormant under such 

 conditions, without losing their vitality, and may sub- 

 sequently be brought to the surface. Shallow cultiva- 

 tion and the preparation of a good tilth are more 

 advisable, as by this means the seeds are encouraged to 

 germinate, when they may be destroyed by further 

 stirring the soil. Such a method, taking care to keep 

 the seeds near the surface, will clear the ground of many 

 annual and biennial weeds, such as poppy, charlock, and 

 some species of thistle. 



3. The eradication of perennials, such as couch, bind- 

 weed, and creeping-thistle, needs careful and well- 

 directed effort. These plants are propagated by under- 

 ground runners bearing buds, and the best treatment 

 where they are concerned is shallow ploughing and 

 thorough cultivation, the weeds being collected and 

 burnt. Or the weeds may be brought to the surface and 

 left to the drying effects of wind and sun. 



4. Hand-pulling and total removal of weeds is the most 

 efficient means of destruction and one that may be 



