370 VEGETABLE GARDENING 



4-8-10 fertilizer probably meets the requirements of most 

 soils as satisfactorily as any mixture that can be used, 

 although there might be some advantage in reducing the 

 percentage of potash and increasing the phosphoric acid. 

 One thousand pounds of this fertilizer applied before 

 planting is sufficient in most cases. Some growers pre- 

 fer to use about half of the allowance to the acre a week 

 or more before planting and the balance after the crop 

 is well started ; others apply all of the general mixture 

 before planting, supplementing later with top-dressings 

 of nitrate of soda if the growth indicates the need of more 

 nitrogen. 



Numerous and comprehensive experiments were made 

 in Georgia (Ga. Sta. Bui. 57, pp. 163-175), the station 

 making the following recommendation : For South Geor- 

 gia, 1,000 pounds acid phosphate (14 per cent), 250 

 pounds muriate of potash and 1,000 pounds cottonseed 

 meal. This formula will analyze 3 per cent of nitrogen, 

 8 per cent of phosphoric acid and 7 per cent of potash. 

 For Middle and North Georgia: 1,300 pounds acid phos- 

 phate (14 per cent), 200 pounds muriate of potash and 

 1,000 pounds of cottonseed meal, which formula will 

 analyze about 2.8 per cent of nitrogen, 8 per cent phos- 

 phoric acid, 5 per cent potash. The station recommends 

 from 600 to 800 pounds an acre. 



In northern as well as southern sections of the United 

 States, part of the nitrogen should be derived from 

 nitrate so as to hasten growth immediately after plant- 

 ing. The thinner the soil the greater the necessity for 

 using large amounts of nitrogen. 



515. Planting. As previously stated, neither plants 

 i:or seeds should be risked in the field until the ground 

 is thoroughly warm and there is no danger of frost. 

 When the plants have been started under glass they 

 must be shifted to the field in the most careful manner so 

 that roots and soil about them will not be disturbed. When 



