50 A HOME VEGETABLE-GARDEN 



more nitrate of soda. This compound contains the 

 nitrogen in the form most readily absorbed and 

 assimilated as food. Be careful not to allow it to 

 touch the stems, and stir it well into the soil to 

 save waste of nitrogen. Do this every few days. 

 Use it in transplanting lettuce and celery. It is 

 good for cauliflower and cabbage and brussels 

 sprouts. With these foliage plants and with head 

 varieties of lettuce, it may be used with advantage 

 both in starting new growth after re-setting and, 

 again, with another dose just as the heads begin to 

 form. Follow the same plan with tomatoes and 

 eggplant, the heat-producing fertilizer below the 

 roots when set, and the nitrate stirred in, at the 

 surface, afterwards, until growth has well begun. 

 All transplanting will be attended with much less 

 delay in growth and with surer results, when this 

 special kind of tonic food is provided. 



After growth is well started, when a particular 

 need of nitrogen is not indicated, use the 4-8-10. 

 It may be relied on then to sustain healthy growth. 

 There is sufficient nitrate in the mixture to pro- 

 vide for continued vigorous growth, as a rule ; and 

 it will insure big crops. It is sure to keep the 

 potatoes growing well. Use a spoonful to a hill 

 or a little along the rows, every few days, until 

 the buds appear. There will be enough potash by 

 that time to insure well-developed solid roots. 

 Failure to supply potash when needed might re- 

 sult in famine in the potato hill. For lack of this 



