Fertilizers for Various Special Crops 357 



available forms from artificial sources. In the absence 

 of good manure, which is the chief expense, a reasonably 

 fertile loamy soil may be used for filling the beds, in which 

 at the time of filling may be mixed, for each 100 square 

 feet of surface, one-half pound of nitrate of soda, one 

 pound of acid phosphate, one pound of ground bone and 

 one-half pound of muriate of potash. This application 

 will be sufficient to supply the needs of the plants for food 

 until growth is well started, after which they should be 

 fertilized at least once each week with one-quarter of a 

 pound of nitrate of soda for every 100 square feet of 

 surface area, and with the mineral fertilizers at the rate 

 of one pound of acid phosphate and one-half pound of 

 muriate of potash every two weeks. These may be ap- 

 plied in solution, or evenly distributed over the surface 

 of the soil, and worked in before watering. The amounts 

 to apply should always be governed by the judgment of 

 the grower. There is less danger from the application 

 of too much, if properly used, than is commonly supposed. 



