82 VEGETABLE FORCING 
were 16 rows of Grand Rapids plants. The results were 
as follows: 
Manure mulch Pounds Ounces 
First crop -s<----2s2-ssess-ssesesee 48 9 
Second crop - = 55 0 
Total ----- 103 9 
Straw mulch Pounds Ounces 
First crop ------ : ee 48 8 
Second crop ------------------------ 51 2 
otal pass oeoSse6 See ae 99 10 
Notwithstanding the striking results of the Ohio ex- 
periments, especially with regard to disease, mulching 
has not become widely popular. It is apparently an ideal 
method of soil preparation in small houses, and it is 
worthy of more general trial in the large commercial 
establishments. Except for the destruction of nematode 
worms, mulching might take the place of steam steriliza- 
tion. There is also evidence that the constantly moist 
condition of the soil under the mulch is unfavorable to 
the existence of nematodes. 
Plowing and harrowing.—The plow is becoming in- 
creasingly popular in the preparation of greenhouse soils. 
Experience has demonstrated its entire success. It is a 
labor-saving device and a relief to the drudgery of soil 
preparation. There is no evidence to show that spading 
is any better than plowing, especially if the soil is well 
filled with organic matter. A horse can be handled 
better than a team, and with the light, level, easily tilled 
soil of most greenhouses a strong horse will have no diffi- 
culty in drawing a two-horse moldboard plow, although 
some growers prefer the smaller, one-horse plows. After 
plowing, a half section of any of the standard types of 
harrows may be used until the soil is thoroughly pulver- 
ized. The surface should be left smooth and even. 
Plankers or plank drags will be found desirable for that 
