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SCHOOL AND HOME GARDENING 



Green Manure. — Many soils, particularly in eastern and 

 southern states, do not have sufficient organic matter. The 

 rotting matter in soils produces humus, which is of great 

 beneiit to them. Green crops can he grown and plowed in 

 for the purpose of forming humus. The action of this organic 

 matter while rotting is to make the soil slightly acid in its 

 reaction. The acid present sets up chemical action, which is 



Fia, 56. — Crimson clover may be sown in gardens in August or September to 

 grow through the winter as a cover crop. If turned under in spring the soil will be 

 much improved. The crop is hardy except in the extreme northern states. 



very beneficial to the soils. When the acid present is finally 

 neutralized by the use of lime, any bad effects of the acid are 

 overcome. By the combined use of the green manures and 

 lime a soil inay be made an active, productive one instead of 

 an inert, non-productive one. 



Green manures are frequently grown in the winter time, 

 the seed being sown in late summer or fall. The crop may 



