CULTURAL DIRECTIONS 
271 
especially desirable to use large amounts of highly nitrog- 
enous fertilizers for the early crop, to hasten maturity. 
One application of 150 pounds of nitrate of soda about 
four weeks after planting, and the same amount when 
head formation begins, generally increases the yield. It 
is not necessary to distribute this fertilizer around the 
plants or along the rows, but it may be applied broad- 
cast by hand as clover seed is sown. The results are 
often marked, especially when used on moderately fer- 
tile soils before rain and after a long period of drouth. 
It is universally conceded that animal manures are the 
best fertilizers for cabbage. They may be used with the 
greatest freedom, profits generally being largest from 
the most liberal applications. Ten to 25 tons an acre, 
however, is the usual application. Of course, it should 
be spread before plowing, while fine manure can be disked 
in after plowing with better results. On soils, already 
fairly well supplied with humus, experiments have shown 
that profitable yields may be secured by the use of com- 
mercial fertilizers alone. 
355. Planting distances. — The proper distance between 
plants depends upon the variety, purpose of the crop, 
fertility of the soil, and methods of cultivating, spraying 
and harvesting. Early varieties, as Jersey Wakefield, 
may be planted 14 x 26 inches or even closer ; Charleston 
Wakefield, 16 x 28; Early Summer and Succession, 18 x 
28; Danish Ball Head, 18 x 30; Flat Dutch and other late 
flat-headed varieties, 24 x 36 inches. Close planting is con- 
ducive to small heads, which are often preferred by con- 
sumers. If sold by the head, and if the heads are large 
enough to meet market requirements, a maximum num- 
ber to the acre will of course secure largest returns. The 
richer the soil the closer the plants may be set and still 
get heads of marketable size. Close planting, however, 
prohibits cultivation late in the season, which is very im- 
portant in dry weather. It may also prevent the use 
