50 HOW TO PLANT. 



do this in the fall, and throw the land up in ridges so 

 that it may be subjected to freezing in winter, thereby 

 becoming thoroughly pulverized. In the Southern States 

 planting may be done either in August and September, 

 or in February and March. In the North, plant only in 

 early spring after frosts are over. 



Level and smooth the land over nicely and roll it. Lay 

 off rows half-inch deep, eighteen inches apart, in which 

 sow the seeds thinly, about four pounds per acre ; cover 

 one-half inch deep, press down firmly or roll lightly. 

 When the plants are well up, thin out three to five 

 inches apart ; keep cleanly hoed, but throw no earth to 

 the plants. Fine onions may be made as above from the 

 seeds. If the object be to grow sets, then select rather 

 thin soil, as free from grass and weed seeds as possible. 

 Use ammoniated superphosphates, about 600 pounds per 

 acre ; stable manure contains too many seeds of grass and 

 foul weeds. Sow seeds about June first, thickly in drills, 

 ten to twelve inches apart, or broadcast, as may suit your 

 convenience. In this way small onions are produced, 

 called " sets," which when transplanted, produce a large 

 onion. 



SETS OR BUTTONS. When planting Sets and Buttons, 

 prepare the land the same as for seeds. Check off the 

 land eighteen inches one way, and six inches the other 

 way ; drop one set in each check, place upright, and 

 lightly press into the soil ; five to ten bushels will plant 

 an acre. Afterward keep clean ; throw no earth to the 

 rows. Plant same time as seeds. Sets make a crop of 

 large onions very quick. 



PARSLEY. (Petroselinum sativuin. ) 



Sow thicky in drills twelve inches apart, in March, 

 April or May and September ; first soak the seed over 

 night in warm water ; for winter use sow under glass dur- 

 ing September ; cover half inch deep. Used for garnish- 

 ing, seasoning, etc. 



