334 VEGETABLE GARDENING 



of cultivator before planting. When planting in hills a 

 shovelful or two is placed in each hill and often mixed 

 with the soil. 



Excessive amounts of nitrogen must be avoided in the 

 commercial fertilizers. Four per cent is probably as 

 much as should be used on any soil, but additional ap- 

 plications of nitrate of soda may be made if necessary. 

 The mineral elements are needed in liberal supplies to 

 encourage fruitfulness. Eight per cent of phosphoric 

 acid and lo per cent of potash will meet the require- 

 ments on most soils. From i,ooo to 1,500 pounds of com- 

 plete fertilizer are common amounts to use on an acre. 

 Fertilizer may be applied broadcast before planting or 

 mixed in the hills or furrows. When manure is used in 

 furrows an excellent plan is to incorporate the fertilizer 

 by the same mixing. 



439. Planting. — Planting should not occur until the 

 ground is warm and there is practically no danger of 

 frost. Some of the most extensive commercial growers 

 plant seed at two different depths, the shallow plantings 

 coming on first, and if these are killed or damaged by 

 frost the later ones will be likely to escape. For the 

 pickling crop in the North, June is a popular month for 

 planting. Truckers and market gardeners often plant 

 at intervals of 10 days or two weeks to secure a succes- 

 sion of cucumbers. Whatever the time or system oi 

 planting, seed should be used freely to make certain of 

 a good stand. The surplus plants are easily pulled or 

 chopped out with a hoe. The advantage of selection is 

 an important factor. 



Planting in hills was the universal practice some years 

 ago and is still preferred by many growers. In good soils 

 the distances between hills should be not less than 5^5 

 feet, and some prefer planting 6x6. In lighter and 

 moderately fertile soils, 4x5 feet may be permissible, 

 but such close planting is not generally approved. When 



