The frontiersman., 1963-06-20
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UNIVERSITY of ALASKA
 cooperative Extension Service Division Of Statewide Scryfces


 Cooperative Extension Service Division Of Statewide services
 The long periods of daylight supplemented by the warming weather, is rapidly transforms ing tiny seedlings into mature plants. Such unbelievable growth takes place that the Cheechako stands in awe as the secret of sixty-pound cab bages in 100 days unfolds be- fore him.
 Someday we'll have a talk about this rapid growth, when the rush of the season is over. Right now we should visi t about getting the most out of your garden truck. This is the time most folks start losing out on part of their hard work.
 There are l4 easy rules to keep in mind if a person is to do a top job in gardening. The season is so far along we're already up to rule ten, so let's start to review them. If you're interested in the first min e rules, drop me a note saying so. Address it to The Sour dough Gardener, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Alaska, College, Alaska.
 Rule 10 states, Thin a n d Space Early, to Allow Ample Room for Growth" Like all of us, you surely planted a lot more seeds than was necessary just in case many did not grow. Chances are, 80 to 90 percent of the seeds did germinate and are now crowding along t h e row. Small seeded vegetables, such as lettuce, radish, turnips, and carrots, are apt to be planted the thickest.
 Start thinning them now and keep at it. Space the lettuce plants about two inches apart the first time through. U e these tender little leaves in salad. Later, go through again and open the plants to four, then six inches between c h other if you expect good heads.
 Carrots should have at least one inch space the first time through. Use the little finger ling carrots in soup or eat them raw. They should have two or three inches of space to grow to maturity.
 Radishes come on fast n d should be thinned just as soon as the bulb gets about as big as your little finger. Even then some will get too big before you can use them. Plant short new row every week or t e n days for continued use.
 Beet tops from trimmings make fine greens as do turnips. The rule of thumb is to re- member the size of the mature vegetable, then a d d another inch or more between plants for good measure.
 Rule II is one t h t means work. Keep the Garden Weed Free" This should not need much explanation, but you'd be surprised how m any people think it's not important. It's as simple as this, your garden can grow just so much of any thing. If it's weeds you're after, why bother to plant vegeta- bles? The weeds will do fine alone On the other hand, ii you've gone to all the work ot blowing and planting, why let weeds use up your fertilizer and water?
 Rule 12 is very important over the greater part of Alas ka. Keep the Garden Water ed At All Times" Our grow ing season is short at best. We must make every growing day count to the fullest. May and June are apt to be dry just when the new plants are try ing to get established. If your garden soil becomes dry to z depth of only two or h ( inches during the critical pc, riod when seedlings are smal and shallowly rooted, 1t car reduce their rate of growth materially. If you're growlne on ridges to warm the soll which I'm in favor of, remem Der it will also dry faster. Pro bably it's best not to ridge un less you can provide watel some way. :,
 We'll, we will save rules l.
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