Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-04-20
FtERTILIZING THE
HOME GARDEN
BY JOHN BARTRAM

Proper care and nourishment must be
given the soil. Plants quickly draw on
the elements they need. and these must be
replenished from time to time.
Growing things derive their nutrition
from the air and the soil. The first cam
not be governed by man. but substances
in the SOIL from which plants derive their
food, may be supplied.
Nitrogen exists in three distinct forms,
viz, as organic matter. as ammonia and
as nitratcs 1t s the most expensive fer
tiliser
Nltrates afford the most readily avail
able forms. Tho most common are nitrate
of soda and nitrate Of potash (saltpetre)
Phosphorlc acid comes from materials
called phosphates. II does not exist alone,
but in combination, most commonly as
phosphate of lime in the form Of bones,
rock phosphate and phosphate Stag.
Superphosphate-In untreated phos-
pilates the phosphoric acid is lnsolublo in
water and not readily available TO plants.
Superphosphate Is prepared from these by
grinding and treating with sulphuric acid
which makes the phosphoric acid available.
Superphosphates are called acid phos-
pilates.
Potash appears in number of FORMS
but chiefly as chlorid or muriate and as
sulphate. All forms are freely soluble in
water. Wood ashes and cotton-hull ashes
are sources of potash.
Generous quantities of enrichng ele-
ments should annually be applied to de-
pleted soil, thoroughly incorporated.
Stable manure should be used to improve
the mechanical condition Of the soil, and
commercial fertilizer to supply potash,
nitrogen or phosphoric acid. On quarter
acre garden 10 to IL cords OF manure is
not too much to- plow or dig in with 100
TO 200 pounds of a well.balanced fertilizer,
narrowed or raked in. Crops may be
stimulated during growth by two or three
supplementary dressings of fertilizer, ap.
piled at the rate of 100 pounds per acre
at each application.
Nitrogen speeds early and succulent
growth. Potash hardens growth and
throws vigor into fruit or flower. Phos.
phorlc acid aids in nutrition. influences
maturity and color. Lime renders inert
plant food available for feeding roots.
A complete fertilizer contains nitrogen,
phosphoric acid and potash. Lime Is a
necessary adjunct for less frequent use.
II will not pay the amateur to mix his
own fertilizer A well.balanced soil ration
containing all the elements can be bought
from reliable dealers at SO TO SO per 100
pound bag. This can be broadcasted be-
fore plowing or mixed in hills and drills
before planting, or sifted along rows after
planting. 1t should not be allowed to
come into direct contact with roots, seeds
or foliage.
Soil acidity Is the chief chemical enemy
to plant growth. Sour soil is sterile. Air
Stacked lime, lightly broad-casted, is the
best sweetener of acid soils and pulverizer
OF caky soils.
Humus is the great natural source of
fertility in vegetation. Leaf mold or any
well rotted animal or vegetable matter
makes humus.
Stable manure. either horse or COW,
contributes warmth. moisture and humus.
Ir is an undenatured soil nutrient, but
weli-aged barnyard manure Is difficult
to get. Green" manure must be avoided
IL is full of weed seeds and lacking in
qualities held by the rotted.
Humus-supplying preparations, consist
ing of dried sheep and stable manures
which are wholesome soil foods, mex
pensive and unobjectionable. These are
on the market in number of reliable
patent preparations.
Nitrogen-gathering bacteria with which
to inoculate seeds of the clovers and
legumes may also be purchased at a low
cost. Bone meal Is a most valuable all
round fertilizer.
Hardwood ashes and SCOT from Chin
neys, hreplaces and stoves are excellent
foods for the soil Sfted coal ashes soften
heavy soils.
A compost pile may be started now of
leaves. ashes. barnyard manure, rubbish,
etc, and will prove valuable for the gar
den.
This should be kept in a big box,
covered. IL the supply and garden are
both small. If room permits. build
pit with rough boards. Sift some lime
over occasionally, and stir the mixture
now and then Keep the compost heaps
always covered.
In applying commercial fertilizer, cal
culate one pound for plot 10 by 43 feet
436 square feet), for a l00-pound per
acre application one pound for plot 10
by % feet (21S square feet) for a 900
pound per acre application; one pound
for plot 10 by AZ feet GAS square feet)
for 3oo-pound to an acre application.