Milford chronicle., 1963-07-19
The Green Thumb

Too few people use soil tests
and apply the results. A recent
survey conducted by the National
Plant Food Institute showed that
In the Northeast the yields OF
farmers using soil tests are well
above those not using this
service. This survey showed con-
sistent yield increases Of 50 to
AZ percent in some crops where
farmers used soil testing.
Although soil testing is gain
ing more widespread acceptance
still less than $50 of the farm
ers in the Northeast are soil
testing and many Of those do not
use the results of the test. No
wonder yields are lower than
desired in this area.
Soil testing Is not the complete
answer, but 1t certainly is a
good place to start. So why not
plan on getting soil tests from
all your fields this fall.
II &*#
Now Is the time to be getting
ready to make those new alfalfa
seedlings this fall. Lime Is must
for a good stand of alfalfa. The
phi should be over 60, prefer
ably 6.5.
Early blowing is also impor-
tant to help insure good seeo-
ing. If weeds are allowed to grow
on the field until seeding time,
they may have absorbed all the
moisture In the top several In
ches of soil. This not only causes
trouble I'm blowing, but the alfalfa
seeds will not terminate uni
formly.
With the many advantages Of
alfalfa, why not seed some this
fall II you have dairy or beef
animals or horses. Alfalfa Is
truly the "Queen Of the hay
Crops" V
Tall crops, trees, bushes and
weeds at the end of your lane
creates a serious traffic hazard
at this time of the year. These
Oh structions make 1t impossible
for drivers on the highway to see
vehicles about to enter the road.
Spray, cut, disk or NOW these
plants that can cause a serious
accident. Don't let. them grow to
cause you more trouble this sum-
mer. These plants will be easier
to control now than a month from
now.
A complete-opening, full-width
endgate which permits faster un-
loading Of grain from farm trucks
has been designed and tested by
engineers of the USDA. A ZOO |
bushel standard farm truck
equipped with such an endgate |
can be unloaded at an elevator |
I'm about a minute with no shovel
ing required. II you would like
more information on this endgate
we have 1t at the Substation. Ask
for marketing bulletin #23, en-
titled "a Complete Opening End
gate." M
Roses and other perennialS
need. some special care during
July land August. Roses need |
water regularly along with a
handful Of 5-10-10fertilizer now, |
and again the first week in August. |
Apply by sprinkling the fertilizer
around each plant and mix 1t into
the soil. )3OI
A mulch is also useful I'm keep
ing the soil temperature down,
hold the moisture and help control
weeds. Peat moss, composted
leaves, and ground corn cobs are
acceptable mulching materials.
Hardy chrysanthemums also
need feeding now and again in
August. A handful Of 5-10-10 or
5-10-5 worked In lightly around
each plant is adequate.
Spraying for insects and dis
eases is also necessary at reg
llar intervals.
Roses and NUNS both need to
De protected for best results. A
combination spray made of DOT,
malathion, karathane and parz-
ate will control most Of the
problems.
A mulch applied as soon as the
,lants are placed In their per-
nanent location will help retain
moisture and keep wedding at
/ minimum. b oil
For further details stop in at
,ur Sussex County Extension Of
ice or call us at 856-2553.