Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1888-03-07
Thorough Cultivation.

One ofthe principal advantages gained
by thorough preparation fthe soil be-
fore planting is that cultivation can be
commenced at any time after the seed
is planted.
Weeds are much easier destroyed
when very small, so that it is an item to
be able to commence the cultivation
early. Then the tning and mellowing
OF the soil aids very materially in induc-
Ing strong, vigorous growth, and it is
always an item to secure this.
As general rule, | have vet to find
any Implement that will answer as well
to commence the cultivation as the har-
row for field crops, or a good, short
toothed steel rake in tie garden. With
a little care these can be made to de-
strOy the weeds that nearly always
spring up. and at the same time loosen
and fine the surface of the soil, and then
to close up around the plants than can
possibly be done with a cultiyator.
This aids in giving the plants good
start and at the same time fines the
soil for future cultivation. In very
many cases two harrowings can be given
with more benefit and with less ex-
pense than with almost any other i'm
plement. Of course, care should be
taken to do thorough work, and if this
class condition to use the cultivators.
and at the same time secure a good
growth OF the plants, making the work
with the cultvator considerably easier.
Work the cultivator as close to the
plants as possible without disturbing
them. This not only the more
thoroughly destroys the weeds but also
loosens up the soil around the roots,
and loose. mellow soil is very favor
able toa good, thrifty plant growth.
1t is possible to secure good crops
even on what we may consider only
fair land by thoroughly preparing the
land before cultivating and then keeping
the soil in good filth by frequent and
thorough cultivation.
The fining of the soil, if done thor
oughly renders available plant food al
ready in the soil, and if this is done fire.
quently during the season Of plant
growth a larger amount of plant food is
made available than would otherwise be
secured, and jn this way good growth
and yield is, often secured, when other
wise the crop would at least be a partial
failure. But so far as possible this work
should be commenced early, as soon as
the condition of the soil will admit, after
planting the crops, and be continued
during the growing season.
And even In a rich soil much better
growth and yield may be secured if
thorough cultivation is given in good
season. Because with a rich soil and
good seed we are often able to secure
fair crops, is hardly sufficient proof that
if more thorough cultivation had been
given, a considerably larger Weld
might have, been secured. 1t is one of
the essentials of good crop, and the
best yields can only be secured by talk
ing pains to see that it is properlv
given Practical Farmer.
A HOt-Bed.
The Country Gentleman tells a f'green
gardener" how to prepare small out
door hot bed for early spring vegetables.
Tt saws: The first and most important
requisite is enough good, fresh manure
to build the bed one and halffeet high
Litter mixed moderately through it will
not be detrimental, but rather bene-
fetal. The quantity of manure will de-
pend on the size of the bed. Fork over
and shake this manure we'll to start
fermentation. Then build the bed.
with stake driven in at each corner.
in successive and even layers, trod-
den or beaten most compactLy towards
the outside. The bed should be a foot
or two wider and larger than the frame
which is to rest on it. Place the frame
on it, with the sash in place, and in one
or two days, when the heat is strong,
put ON five or six inches OF fine, rich
garden mold. In two or three DAYS
more plant the seed. Some experience
is required to give proper ventilation,
and to prevent the young plants from
being burned and destroyed by the
suns rays as the hot morning advances
while the attendant has forgotten to
give an opening to the sash. Give
enough water. Want of all
will give slender, long-legged