30 A HOME VEGETABLE-GARDEN 



and nitrogen, are concerned. For that reason, we 

 may grow whatever convenience indicates, on a 

 particular plat, the first year. One season will 

 give us the pulse of the garden as regards fer- 

 tility in general and, also, the balance of plant- 

 food. After that, in our planning we must take 

 into consideration economy and best use of plant- 

 food. 



In considering garden conservation from this 

 point of view, we will suppose, taking the simplest 

 illustration in mind, that, after the first crop, a 

 particular plot has an over-supply of nitrogen. 

 All plants are fond of nitrogen. Some need large 

 amounts; others are injured by over-eating nitro- 

 gen. If peas and beans are grown on soil that 

 has too much nitrogen, they are certain to satisfy 

 their voracious appetite for this food. Nitrogen 

 makes vine and foliage especially. That is un- 

 fortunate in this case, for the greedy peas will run 

 to vines. Certainly legumes must not be grown 

 on that particular plat. Corn is also nitrogen- 

 hungry, but it will use without injury, as it needs 

 a large amount to grow well. The corn will thrive 

 on the piece that has an over-balance of nitrogen. 

 The nitrogen will make vigorous leaf growth. The 

 phosphoric acid and the potash will be ready 

 to make the ears. The fact that the corn will be 

 making its greatest development during the 

 warmest weather is an added advantage. Warm 

 weather is the time when the organic forms of 



