68 Gardening 



be added when manure is used on such a soil. Wood 

 ashes are rich in potassium, and whenever they are 

 available they may be applied directly to the soil at the 

 rate of 10 pounds to every 100 square feet. They should 

 be previously stored in such a manner that leaching is 

 prevented. 



Soils vary greatly in character, even in different parts 

 of the same garden. It is often advisable to obtain from 

 the state experiment station or from the county agri- 

 cultural supervisor special information regarding the 

 particular needs of a soil, especially if one must depend 

 upon commercial fertilizers. 



Lime for acid soils. Most garden crops will not grow 

 well in an acid soil. In humid regions, especially, soils 

 tend to become acid. Lime and other substances that 

 keep the soil " sweet " are lost in the drainage water, 

 and the addition of humus and the decay of vegetable 

 matter also increase soil acidity. 



The acids in the soil can be changed by the use of 

 lime. Finely pulverized limestone or air-slaked or 

 water-slaked (hydrated) lime are best for sweetening 

 soils. Never use quicklime unless it has been slaked, 

 as it is strongly caustic and will " burn up " the humus 

 in the soil. Do not spread lime in the row at the time 

 seed is sown, as excess of lime in contact with roots is 

 injurious. 



Water-slaked or hydrated lime is widely used in making 

 plaster mortar and can usually be bought in small quan- 

 tities. From 5 to 10 pounds of ground limestone, or half 

 as much of hydrated lime, may be spread on an area of 

 100 square feet. Clay soils require more lime than 



