CHAPTER XII 



THE VEGETABLE GAKDEN 



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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