i6 
HINTS AND HELPS 
rows. The soil mulch consists of a soft loose condition of 
the top soil. It should be two to three inches deep. The 
weeder is used about the plants and between them, where 
there is not room for the hoe. 
All weeds near the plants should be pulled. A weed is 
a plant that persists in growing where it is not wanted. 
It is a robber. It robs the rightful plants of moisture and food 
and will even kill them. Weeds are best killed, when first 
germinated. Never allow them to grow. 
how to spadk. 
The Spade, is a tool made to pry with, to dig up the 
land. It differs from the shovel as it is made of heavier 
material, both the blade and handle. A shovel is used 
principally for digging loose material and is not supposed 
to be used for prying. The blade of the spade is made 
narrower than the shovel blade, so that it w r ill enter the 
ground more easily. The blade is also flatter and not as 
“dishing” as the shovel for the same reason. It is not 
made for shoveling or digging loose soil but for digging 
hard ground. Where the ground is not too hard the spad¬ 
ing fork is superior to the spade as it is lighter and the 
ground can be spaded faster. 
In spading , begin in one corner of the plot with the 
back to the plot. Grasp the top of the handle with the 
right hand, press the blade of the spade or fork vertically 
down to its full extent with the foot working the handle 
a little if necessary where the ground is excessively hard 
or stony. Then carry the top of the handle backward and 
downward near the ground, at the same time carry the left 
hand down the handle and w 7 hen at a point about one foot 
from the blade, lift up the spade and soil; turn it over, 
throwing it slightly forward to leave a furrow. Keep the 
back as straight as possible and do the lifting with the legs. 
Continue working along the end of the plot to be spaded. 
When across the end, spade back again, taking a slice from 
five to ten inches wide. When the spade-full of soil is 
turned over, it should be given a little throw and hit with 
the spade or fork to break it up. If the spading is done 
