CARE OF THE GARDEN 47 



dew to the thirsty leaves. Until growth is well 

 developed, however, whenever the soil begins to 

 compact, go over the entire garden and stir the 

 surface. Always cultivate after a shower. The 

 harder the shower, the more the soil is pounded, 

 the more it will bake and crack in drying. As 

 soon as the water is absorbed and the soil is no 

 longer sticky, cultivate. Do not wait until cracks 

 appear. Go over every bit of the garden then, as 

 soon as possible. Work backwards, drawing the 

 potato hook toward you, back and forth, lightly 

 and rapidly. Working backwards is the easiest 

 quickest way and then no tracks are left to undo 

 the work. In connection with this shallow sur- 

 face tillage, any special cultivation may be done. 

 The roots may need deep and careful work to 

 loosen the lower soil and, getting rid of the stones, 

 to make way for straight even growth. The corn 

 may need hilling. Whatever is required in addi- 

 tion may be done; but always finish by stirring 

 evenly the surface soil. The thrifty gardener in- 

 tends to look out for waste. Then keep intact the 

 dust mulch. Keep the cover on the garden by 

 surface tillage. 



The natural resources of the soil may be supple- 

 mented not only by conservation of moisture but, 

 as we have already noted, by an increase of plant- 

 food. Just as important as the stimulant to start 

 growth is a wise use of extra fertilizers during 

 the entire growing season. An intelligent addi- 



