SUCCESSFUL GARDENING 
(Continued from page 3) 
distribution of labor, better use of irrigation water, less disease 
risk, encourages the keeping of livestock, controls weeds and helps 
to’ minimize risk of hail, insects and low markets. Where available, 
a liberal coating of manure should be given the ground. This should 
be thoroughly decomposed so that its plant food soon becomes avail- 
able and many weed seeds killed. The use of fresh, rank manure is 
especially undesirable when growing such crops as onion and parsnip, 
as this is liable to result in soft bulbs, scallions and branched or 
misshapen roots. : an 
emove all refuse of previous crops as early as possible 
ee ‘ the fall. Spread the composted manure evenly. First 
disc in and then plough, taking a narrow furrow in order to thor- 
oughly.~mix the manure with the soil. Fall ploughing enables the 
gardener to be forehanded with his work, renders the land earlier 
in the spring and improves the physical character of the soil. Freez- 
ing during the winter slacks the lumps, making it easy to have a 
finely pulverized, mellow, deep seed bed. In irrigated countries, fall 
and winter irrigation is desirable. 

Threshing Cucumbers for seed. The fruits are crushed and go through 
a reel which removes the seed from the rind and pulp. The seed is 
then drawn off from the tank below the reel 
PREPARATION Many growers seem to think that good garden- 
ing 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. Dise 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, or an excellent steel float can now be 
purchased. 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 and depositing on the low places, permitting 
better drill operation. 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 de- 
termining what fertilizer to apply. 
The grower must study his conditions 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 fer- 
tilizer containing 4% nitrate, 12% phosphate and 6% potash is satis- 
factory. 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.’ 
PLANTING Planting time is where the gardener arrives at the 
| cross roads and considerable judgment muSt be exer- 
cised in selecting the seed to be planted and the methods of 
(Continued on page 5) 
4 D. V. Burrell Seed Growers Co., Rocky Ford, Colo. 

