SUCCESSFUL GARDENING (Continued) 
Preparation Many growers seem to think that good gardening consists in 
killing weeds and bugs, but the best gardening is in not having 
them. The good gardener tills better and manages his land in 
such a manner as to prevent, rather than eradicate weeds. Disc the land thoroughly 
as early in the spring as it can be worked after which the entire surface should be made 
fine and level with a smoothing harrow. In the Rocky Ford district, the land is leveled 
by means of a long narrow float. These are constructed from planks. The two 
side members are long, usually 12 to 18 feet, turned on edge much like sled runners. 
Three cross members are attached even with the bottom of the runners and are 
placed at a slight angle except the center one which is vertical. These floats thoroughly 
pulverize the small clods in addition to picking up the soil on the high places ami 
depositing on the low places. The oftener the ground is worked over before sowing 
or planting the cleaner and better it will be. 
Commercial Fertilizer There is no infallible rule for determining what fer¬ 
tilizer to apply. The grower must study his condi¬ 
tions and judge for himself. A little experimenting 
will help or advice may be given by the State College of Agriculture or local farm 
bureau agent. Usually a fertilizer containing 4% nitrate, 12% phosphate and 6% 
potash is satisfactory. Apply this at the rate of about 4 pounds to the square rod. 
When fertilizers are relied upon, some form of humus should be supplied. This can 
be done by turning under green crops or applying rotted leaves, peat moss, manure, etc 
Cutting cantaloupes for seed. Note the fine type of melons; these are 
Improved H. B. No. 36. 
Planting Planting time is where the gardener arrives at the cross roads and 
considerable judgment must be exercised in selecting the seed to 
be planted and the methods of planting. The soil should always be 
moist, not too wet and not too dry. Use a good drill seeing that the amount of seed 
dropped and depth of planting is correctly gaged, also that the presser wheel properly 
firms the soil over the seed row. Always plant in good straight rows. Appearance is 
not only better but cultivating is easier. If hand planted, make certain that the soil is 
firm around the seed row by tamping down slightly with a garden rake, hoe or with the 
flat side of a board. Use as long rows as possible and space wide enough apart to admit 
the free use of a wheel hoe or cultivator. Pay particular attention to depth of planting. 
Seeds often fail to come up from being covered too shallow or too deep. Early in the 
spring when the soil is moist, seeds should not be covered as deep as later in the 
season when the ground becomes dry. As a rule, the smaller the seed, the shallower the 
depth of planting and this applies to small flower seeds as well as vegetables. If not 
familiar with the soil temperature required for germination of each kind of seed, 
study our cultural directions or ask some experienced gardener in your neighborhood. 
Some seeds like parsnip cannot be made to grow well after the ground becomes too 
warm. On the other hand, watermelon seed if planted in cold wet ground will rot. If 
rains occur after the seeds are sown and a crust forms, this should be carefully broken, 
otherwise the tender plants will not be able to get through to the surface. Some 
See Page 90 for Special Prices to Market Growers 
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