CULTURAL DIRECTIONS 271 



especially desirable to use large amounts of highly nitrog- 

 enous fertilizers for the early crop, to hasten maturity. 

 One application of 150 pounds of nitrate of soda about 

 four weeks after planting, and the same amount when 

 head formation begins, generally increases the yield. It 

 is not necessary to distribute this fertilizer around the 

 plants or along the rows, but it may be applied broad- 

 cast by hand as clover seed is sown. The results are 

 often marked, especially when used on moderately fer- 

 tile soils before rain and after a long period of drouth. 



It is universally conceded that stable manures are the 

 best fertilizers for cabbage. They may be used with the 

 greatest freedom, profits generally being largest from 

 the most liberal applications. Henderson recommends 

 not less than 75 tons of manure an acre. Comparatively 

 few growers, however, can use it so lavishly for this 

 crop; 10 to 25 tons an acre is the usual application. Of 

 course, it should be spread before plowing, while fine 

 manure can be disked in after plowing with better re- 

 sults. 



355. Planting distances. — The proper distance between 

 plants depends upon the variety, purpose of the crop, 

 fertility of the soil, and methods of cultivating, spraying 

 and harvesting. Early varieties, as Jersey Wakefield, 

 may be planted 14 x 26 inches or even closer ; Charleston 

 Wakefield, 16 x 28; Early Summer and Succession, 18 x 

 28; Danish Ball Head, 18 x 30; Flat Dutch and other late 

 flat-headed varieties, 24 x 36 inches. Close planting is con- 

 ducive to small heads, which are often preferred by con- 

 sumers. If sold by the head, and if the heads are large 

 enough to meet market requirements, a maximum num- 

 ber to the acre will of course secure largest returns. The 

 richer the soil the closer the plants may be set and still 

 get heads of marketable size. Close planting, however, 

 prohibits cultivation late in the season, which is very im- 

 portant in dry weather. It may also prevent the use 



