BUSH FRUIT PRODUCTION 



material must be substituted in many gardens. 

 The farmer inserts into his crop rotation a 

 green crop to be plowed under. Such soiling 

 crops might be grown often on garden plots 

 in late summer but they aren't because it is too 

 much trouble and it may interfere with the 

 harvesting of late crops. Both of these objec- 

 tions are more imaginary than real, but doubt- 

 less they will continue to be effective. 



A compost pile affords a more practical sub- 

 stitute for a supply of manure. Leaves, grass 

 clippings from the lawn, tomato vines, corn- 

 stalks and other garden refuse, and much of 

 the other vegetable waste which usually finds 

 its way to the bonfire may be composted to 

 good advantage. There is enough material 

 of this kind around the average premises to 

 maintain at a high level the humus content of 

 any ordinary garden plot. 



Humus corrects many soil deficiencies, and 

 is of special value in making soils drouth re- 

 sistant. In the growing of bush fruits it is 

 important that the soil should contain plenty 

 of organic matter when the plants are set, for 

 they need a supply upon which they can draw 

 for several years and it is not easy to incor- 

 porate it with the soil after planting, or at 

 least it is easier not to do it. 



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