Caring for 
Mulching 
A mulch is any material that is applied 
to the surface of the soil around the plants 
to help keep down weeds, avoid erosion, 
and conserve moisture. 
Straw is probably the most suitable ma- 
terial for a mulch. It should be about 6 
inches deep when first applied. Other 
mulching materials usually available and 
most often used are leaves, chopped corn 
cobs, shredded corn fodder, plant residues, 
and sawdust. The mulch should be applied 
about the middle of June for early crops, 
or when the plants are large enough so that 
the mulch can be easily spread around the 
plants. A mulch applied too early in the 
spring keeps the ground too cool and re- 
tards plant growth. 
Because mulches need nitrogen to decay, 
they will compete with the plants for the 
available nitrogen in the soil. To assure 
enough nitrogen for the decomposition of 
these materials, you should apply 2 to 3 
pounds per 100 square feet of the 5-10-5 
or 5-10-10 fertilizer; or 14 pound of nitrate 
of soda, or ammonium sulphate, per 100 
square feet; or 14 pound of ammonium ni- 
trate. Mulches are more practical and profit- 
able on tomatoes and strawberries than 
most other crops. 
Watering 
Watering during dry periods is a profit- 
able practice. One thorough watering per 
week is usually enough unless evaporation 
is very high. A thorough watering wets 
the soil to a depth of 6 inches. Frequent 
light waterings will do more damage than 
good, because they encourage shallow roots, 
and may reduce yields. Shallow-rooted 
crops are more susceptible to drought. 
Water may be applied with an “ooze” or 
Richmond, Virginia 
the Garden 
soaker hose, sprinkler, or by running it 
along the rows. A board placed under the 
end of the hose will prevent washing. One 
inch of water should be provided each 
week. It will take about 20 minutes to ap- 
ply 1 inch of water on 100 square feet. 
Thinning 
Plants that are allowed to grow too 
thickly have the same effect as weeds. 
Thinning should be done while plants are 
small. The space between the plants should 
BEETS pi ‘ 
Thin Plants while they are small 
agree with the recommendations in the table 
on page 10. This is important. Small 
plants are difficult to thin, but large ones 
are practically impossible to pull without 
damaging the rest of the plants. 
Insect and Disease Control 
INSECTS: It is often necessary to use in- 
secticides or bug poisons to prevent insect 
damage in the vegetable garden. Certain 
kinds of poisons are required for certain 
insects, because insects have different 
physical make-ups and feeding habits. 
Thoroughness and timeliness in applying 
poison is very important. Try to put the 
poison where the bugs are, and use it before 
they have done serious damage. 
DISEASES: Timing in the use of sprays 
or dusts to control plant diseases is ex- 
tremely important. While it is relatively 
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