446 
VEGETABLE GARDENING 
in vegetable matter. It is better, however, to apply 
them to a hoed crop the previous year, but, if this cannot 
be done, they must be thoroughly rotted, to prevent ex- 
cessive vine growth. 
633. Planting. — Field planting should not begin until 
the gro :id is thoroughly warm and there is no further 
danger of frost. The favorite time is before and after 
rains. If the ground is dry success is more certain when 
a small quantity of water is used with each plant than 
if the plants are set in the dry soil. If level culture 
is practiced the usual planting distance is 24 x 30 inches. 
When planted on ridges, a very general practice, the 
plants are usually spaced 14 to 18 inches apart in the 
rows, with 36 to 42 inches between rows. It is cus- 
tomary to plant from 8,000 to 12,000 plants an acre. 
The plants should not be “drawn” until well rooted. 
(Figure 103.) To remove a plant from the tuber, hold 
