The Jasper news., 1918-02-21


matter of succession, In order that the
land may be occupied as large q part
Of the time as possible. 1t is not adj
vlsable to have second planting of
the same crop or closely related crop
follow the first. Cabbage should not
follow cauliflower, Brussels sprouts,
mustard, or kale, for many of the same
diseases and insects affect all of these
crops. Tomatoes, eggplants and pep
pers should not follow each other. In
some sections three or four crops can
be grown on the same land each year,
while in other sections two crops are
all that can be grown to advantage.
When crop is harvested early in the
season and 1t is not practicable to
plant another vegetable for two or
three months, the land may be planted
to cowpeas or crimson clover.
Rotation of Crops.
Rotation of crops Is as important in
growing vegetables as in growing field
crops, and the same principles can be
applied. Crop rotation is important in
checking diseases and insects and in
keeping the soil in good condition.
Where diseases are very severe, the
same crop should not be planted con-
tinuously on the same area. Rotation
of crops Is one of the safeguards
against soil infection. Land upon
which a diseased crop has been grown
should not be used for the same or a
closely related crop oftener than once
in three years. 1t is usually advisable
to rotate crops in such a way that
foliage crops (such as cabbage, kale,
spinach, and mustard) follow root
crops (rish potatoes, beets, parsnips,
carrots, etc.) or those grown for fruits
tomatoes, peppers. melons, etc.,.
This can be accomplished in a measure
by changing the location of crops in
the planting plan or by reversing the
plan from year to year.
Preparation of Soil.
The soil that is to be used for vege-
tables should be thoroughly prepared
before planting. A deep seeded is
desirable, and whom an area that has
never been plowed more than four
inches deep must be used 1t should be
deepened by gradually increasing the
depth of blowing for period Of three
or four years until the desired depth
Is attained.
Manures and Fertilizers.
The soil for vegetable growing
should be rich and well supplied with
humus. Barnyard or stable manure is
hn = t,,rn tchn
both plantfood and humus. An appll-
cation of 20 to 80 tons of manure to
the acre is very satisfactory, and on
some soils this application will need
but little reinforcing with commercial
fertilizers. The manure should be APP
piled far enough in advance of plant
ing time to allow it to decay. Where
coarse manure is used, it should be ap-
piled in the fall and turned under, but
well-rotted manure should be applied
after blowing and should be well
mixed with the soil by narrowing. On
many soils it is advisable to apply COM
mercial fertilizer, especially phos-
pilates, in addition to the manure.
Cultivation of Garden Crops.
Frequent shallow cultivation should
be given garden crops. BY keeping
the surface of the soil stirred dust
mulch is formed, which prevents the
loss of moisture through the pores in
the soil and keeps down weeds.
The soil should be cultivated as soon
as possible after a rain, to break the
crust and prevent baking. Sandy soils
may be cultivated when quite wet, but
clay soils should not be stirred when
sticky. Too much emphasis cannot be
placed on the matter of thorough cul-
tivation. If the work is properly done
at the right time there will be little
difficulty in controlling weeds.
In cultivating the garden, small
tooth cultivatOrs should be used to pre-
vent ridging or furrowing. A turn
pillow or sweep should not be used for
cultivation unless the land becomes so
woody that cultivation will not do the
work. Frequent cultivation kills the
weeds between the rows before they
become large, but hand work will be
necessary to keep the soil stirred be-
tween the plants and to keep down
weeds in the row.