52 A HOME VEGETABLE-GARDEN 



especially latent nitrogen. Big investments in 

 food supplies bring bigger returns in crops and 

 more still in additional food from the garden's 

 miser hoard. This is particularly true when very 

 early and choice results are to be obtained in a 

 garden that is to provide home supplies. 



To secure full advantage of extra fertilizing, 

 both in the growth of crops and also in its power 

 to make available inert soil food, the proper 

 tillage must accompany its distribution. As we 

 know well, these fertilizers are expensive, particu- 

 larly the nitrate of soda. This valuable nitrogen 

 container is liable to much waste. Being more 

 soluble than other plant-foods, it is soonest dis- 

 solved and lost in the drainage unless immediately 

 taken up by the roots. For that reason, only what 

 seems needed is applied at one time. Cultiva- 

 tion should follow the distribution straightway. 

 Also, any fertilizer is useless on the dust mulch. 

 To be of any value, it must be brought into con- 

 tact with the moist soil beneath the surface and 

 placed where it can feed the roots. Therefore, as 

 soon as a fertilizer is applied, cultivate. Make it 

 a matter of convenience to do both pieces of work 

 together, cultivating not merely to cover the fer- 

 tilizer but to provide good growing conditions 

 for the plant. Only good cultivators can make 

 economical use of expensive fertilizers: these 

 materials are not substitutes or makeshifts for 

 tillage. 



