i 4 THE BOOK OF MARKET GARDENING 



can be utilised it is not so urgent, though the cost must 

 not be omitted from the calculations. To aid in 

 economical and convenient working, market-garden land 

 should also be reasonably level, though moderate slopes 

 are not objectionable. Foul land should be avoided as 

 far as possible, unless some substantial consideration is 

 allowed in the rent or purchase price. When the soil is 

 full of weeds and their seeds, or with those having 

 creeping roots, such as Twitch or Bell Bine (Wheat Bine), 

 a period of cleansing must be set down in the programme, 

 which often means heavy expense and considerable delay 

 before the plans can be carried out. In the same way, 

 land that is liable to be water-logged through the 

 absence of natural or artificial drainage, is not adapted for 

 market-garden work, and it is one of the points requiring 

 attention in taking farm land, to make sure that if drains 

 exist they are operative with suitable outfalls into ditches 

 and water-courses. 



A favourable aspect adds greatly to the value of land 

 for commercial purposes in any part, but the farther 

 north we go the more important it becomes, as it may 

 effectually counterbalance the disadvantages of lower 

 average temperatures. There are few districts or 

 seasons where too much warmth and sunlight are ex- 

 perienced in the spring months, when market garden 

 crops most need such help ; consequently any aspect 

 which commands the fullest exposure to sun with 

 shelter from north and east winds is preferable. 



Altitude and elevation may be regarded separately 

 for our purpose, the former referring to the height above 

 sea-level, and the latter to the height in comparison 

 with the surrounding land. For all cultural purposes 

 as regards the Southern and Midland counties the 

 altitude has less general influence than an elevation of 

 fifty to one hundred feet above neighbouring land. This 

 is especially applicable to fruits and to early vegetables. 



