334 
VEGETABLE GARDENING 
of cultivator before planting. When planting in hills a 
shovelful or two is placed in each hill and often mixed 
with the soil. 
Excessive amounts of nitrogen must be avoided in the 
:ommercial fertilizers. Four per cent is probably as 
much as should be used on any soil, but additional ap- 
plications of nitrate of soda may be made if necessary. 
The mineral elements are needed in liberal supplies to 
encourage fruitfulness. Eight per cent of phosphoric, 
acid and 6 to io per cent of potash will meet the require- 
ments on most soils. From 1,000 to 1,500 pounds of com- 
plete fertilizer are common amounts to use on an acre. 
Fertilizer may be applied broadcast before planting or 
mixed in the hills or furrows. When manure is used in 
furrows an excellent plan is to incorporate the fertilizer 
by the same mixing. 
43g. Planting. — Planting should not occur until the 
ground is warm and there is practically no danger of 
frost. Some of the most extensive commercial growers 
plant seed at two different depths, the shallow plantings 
coming on first, and if these are killed or damaged by 
frost the later ones will be likely to escape. For the 
pickling crop in the North, June is a popular month for 
planting. Truckers and market gardeners often plant 
at intervals of 10 days or two weeks to secure a succes- 
sion of cucumbers. Whatever the time or system of 
planting, seed should be used freely to make certain of 
a good stand. The surplus plants are easily pulled or 
chopped out with a hoe. The advantage of selection is 
an important factor. 
Planting in hills was the universal practice some years 
ago and is still preferred by many growers. In good soils 
the distances between hills should be not less than 5x5 
feet, and some prefer planting 6x6. In lighter and 
moderately fertile soils, 4x5 feet may be permissible, 
but such close planting is not generally approved. When 
