30 
VEGETABLE GARDENING 
ler is regarded as more desirable than in the South, where 
the loss from leaching must be considered. It is espe- 
cially advantageous to plow heavy sod lands in the fall. 
When plowing is deferred until spring it should be 
done at the earliest possible date. This is important 
from every standpoint. No greater mistake can be made, 
however, than to plow before the ground is dry enough. 
Every experienced farmer well knows the evil effects of 
such a practice. In order that the soil may be dried out 
early and that plowing may begin as soon as possible, 
many gardeners prefer not to spread stable manures un- 
til the ground is ready to plow, because such a mulch 
greatly retards the evaporation of soil moisture. 
Most garden crops thrive best in soils which have been 
ameliorated to a considerable depth, so that deep plowing 
is favored by successful vegetable growers. No soil 
should be plowed deeper, however, than the character 
and depth of the top soil will permit. The intermingling 
of a large portion of unproductive subsoil is always detri- 
mental to garden crops. 
The subsoiling of garden soils has been advocated by 
many writers, but it is seldom practiced and is of doubtful 
utility. 
68. Harrowing. — In making preparation for sowing or 
transplanting, harrowing follows plowing. The harrow 
is also used sometimes by truckers in cultivating after the 
crops have been started. When used in this manner it is 
often effective in providing the proper tilth and in de- 
stroying small weeds. 
Spike-tooth harrows are used more generally than their 
efficiency justifies, for they are scarcely comparable to 
some other types in their pulverizing action ; their teeth 
do not run to great depth, and their tendency is to push 
the clods aside rather than to break them. Smoothing 
harrows are most valuable, perhaps, when used as weed- 
ers after a crop like potatoes or sweet corn has been 
