CHAPTER XII 



THE VEGETABLE GARDEN 



Before beginning any planting the ground 

 must be in good condition — thoroughly plowed, 

 harrowed, and, if necessary, richly manured. 

 Barnyard manure for general purposes is best, 

 for it not only contains all the elements of plant- 

 food, but, what is more essential, aids in improv- 

 ing the physical conditions of the soil, making 

 it more porous, capable of receiving more air 

 and water, and of retaining moisture. A good 

 commercial fertilizer may be employed for the 

 immediate use of plants while processes of de- 

 composition, which are necessary for reducing 

 the manures to soluble form, are taking place 

 in the soil. It is not wise to attempt to ex- 

 periment with fertilizers on individual plots. 

 This work can best be done on plots that 

 are designed for purposes of observation and 

 instruction. 



The accompanying plan providing for indi- 

 vidual plots ten by thirty-five feet, each of which 

 could be divided into five plots, six by ten, with 

 a foot-path between them, has been used with 

 satisfaction. 



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