570 
VEGETABLE GARDENING 
4-8-10 fertilizer probably meets the requirements of most 
soils as satisfactorily as any mixture that can be used, 
although there might be some advantage in reducing the 
percentage of potash and increasing the phosphoric acid. 
One thousand pounds of this fertilizer applied before 
planting is sufficient in most cases. Some growers pre- 
fer to use about half of the allowance to the acre a week 
or more before planting and the balance after the crop 
is well started ; others apply all of the general mixture 
before planting, supplementing later with top-dressings 
of nitrate of soda if the growth indicates the need of more 
nitrogen. 
Numerous and comprehensive experiments were made 
in Georgia (Ga. Sta. Bui. 57, pp. 163-175), the station 
making the following recommendation: For South Geor- 
gia, 1,000 pounds acid phosphate (14 per cent), 250 
pounds muriate of potash and 1,000 pounds cottonseed 
meal. This formula will analyze 3 per cent of nitrogen, 
8 per cent of phosphoric acid and 7 per cent of potash. 
For Middle and North Georgia: 1,300 pounds acid phos- 
phate (14 per cent), 200 pounds muriate of potash and 
1,000 pounds of cottonseed meal, which formula will 
analyze about 2.8 per cent of nitrogen, 8 per cent phos- 
phoric acid, 5 per cent potash. The station recommends 
from 600 to 800 pounds an acre. 
In northern as well as southern sections of the United 
States, part of the nitrogen should be derived from 
nitrate so as to hasten growth immediately after plant- 
ing. The thinner the soil the greater the necessity for 
using large amounts of nitrogen. 
515. Planting. — As previously stated, neither plants 
nor seeds should be risked in the field until the ground 
is thoroughly warm and there is no danger of frost. 
When the plants have been started under glass they 
must be shifted to the field in the most careful manner so 
that roots and soil about them will not be disturbed. When 
