In the city it is often difficult or impossible to obtain well de- 
cayed manure. In this case, if the soil is already in fair physical 
condition, with neither sand or clay predominating, a complete 
concentrated fertilizer obtainable from most seedsmen should be 
applied accordingto directions supplied with the fertilizer— usually 
about 25 pounds to a plot 20x40 feet. This should contain approx- 
imately nitrogen 5 %, phosphoric acid 8 potash 5%. Supposing 
your soil is very sandy or clayey, it will be necessary to apply 
vegetable matter of some kind to improve its physical condition. 
This can be accomplished by purchasing one of the many brands 
of prepared humus that are on the market and applying a layer 
about two inches thick, then mixing it thoroughly with the soil. 
Many soils, especially those in city back yards, are acid, and are 
benefited by the application of lime. This may be applied in the 
form of ground limestone, preferably in the fall, scattering it on 
the surface of the freshly turned soil and thoroughly raking it in. 
Use about 40 pounds to a plot 20x40 feet. The desirability or 
otherwise of liming may be determined by pressing blue litmus 
paper on a handful of moist soil; if the litmus turns red it indi- 
cates acidity and the need of lime. 
Planting.— The seed should be sown in drills of suitable depth 
made with a draw hoe orthe edge of a rake, first making the soil as 
fine as possible. A line should always be stretched as a guide when 
making the drills, as this insures a straight row and subsequently 
greater ease in cultivation. Place the seed evenly in the drills, 
cover with fine soil, and firm with the back of a hoe or the foot. 
Cultivation.— When the young plants appear, the soil around 
them must be hoed or scratched in some way to break the surface 
crust. This allows air circulation through the soil, keeps down 
weeds, and provides a soil blanket, or dust mulch, which assists 
in the conservation of moisture. If the weather permits, the sur- 
face should be cultivated in this way even' week or ten days. It 
is important to stir the surface of the soil as soon after a rain as 
it is possible to work without the earth sticking to the hoe, in 
order to prevent undue evaporation of w r ater. 
The Plan. — The rows, when possible, should run north and 
south. If this is not possible, the low growing vegetables should 
be placed at the south end of the plot, so that they will not be 
shaded by the taller growing kinds. Perennial vegetables, such 
as Rhubarb, Asparagus, and Artichoke, should be placed to- 
gether at one end of the plot, so that they are not in the way 
when digging or plowing the ground for the next season’s work. 
Crops which are to be followed by other crops later in the season 
should be grouped together as far as possible, as this facilitates 
