CHAPTER XVII 



Fertilizers 



Essential Elements — Sources of Supply — Animal Manures — 

 Green Manures — Commercial Fertilizers — ^Bonemeal — Nitrate 

 of Soda — Poultry Manure — Lime — ^Humus — ^Where and How 

 to Use Fertilizers — Home Mixing of Fertilizers — Suitable 

 Fertilizers for Vegetables and Fruits — ^Fertilizing Table — 

 Scarcity of Stable Manure — Some Commercial Fertilizers in 



Common Use. 



IT is incumbent upon every gardener that he or she should have 

 at least an elementary knowledge of fertilizers; their necessity, 

 their composition and their use. Prof* Thos. H. White, in the 

 chapter which follows, has given in clear, concise form, this necessary 

 information and has also demonstrated the advisability of using 

 certain forms of fertilizers for defined purposes. We might add that 

 where well rotted stable manure is still available, it will fulfill nearly 

 all garden purposes on soil that has been kept in fair cultivation. For 

 limited areas we advise consultation with and direct purchase from 

 your seedman. 



Essential Elements 



When considering the cultivation of plants it is highly important 

 that some thought be given to fertilizers. Some soils are naturally 

 fertile, others are very infertile and need judicious fertilizing. Trees 

 and shrubs will grow very well on soils that are moderately fertile, 

 but the soft, quick growing plants of the garden must have very fertile 

 soil. This is especially true of all annual plants that are grown from 

 seed. The little seedlings, with their small, tender rootlets, must be 

 properly supplied with food before it is possible for them to make 

 rapid growth. 



Nearly everything that is in the air or on the earth supplies some- 

 thing, either directly or indirectly, to the soil as fertilizer. All organic 

 substances, that is, substances which have or have had life, are of 



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