PULSE 
167 CROPS 
Beans, like peas, are nitrogen gatherers, but 
if the ground where they are to be planted has 
not been used for peas or beans within a year 
or two, it is well to apply a little nitrogen at 
first to start the growth. The land should really 
be prepared for beans the season before you 
plant them, because new, fresh or coarse stable 
manure applied when planted, will make the 
crop rank, without increasing the yield. This 
is especially true of Lima beans. Spread the 
manure the fall before, so that it will have done 
its work before the spring planting begins; 
if more fertilizer is necessary, use some of the 
quickly available commercial fertilizers, those 
rich in potash or phosphoric acid being the best. 
The soil should be harrowed at least twice 
before planting and thoroughly pulverized. 
This puts the soil in good tilth and prevents the 
growth of weeds. Through the whole season 
tillage should be frequent enough to prevent 
weeds getting a footing or a crust forming about 
the roots, but the plants should not be cultivated 
while wet with dew or rain, as that renders the 
crop liable to spore diseases. 
LIMA BEANS. 
Late Lima beans demand such a long season 
and such continuous growth, that it is not always 
