EARLY CULTIVATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 3556, 5 August 1905, Page 4

EARLY CULTIVATION.

It Mean* Mauh Hard Work, Dnt It Is Work That Pays for Itself Mow Than Twice Over. With' all cultivated crops it is the early cultivation that is the most important. The weeds are cosiest killed when they first make their appearance above ground, and if the weeds can be kept down and the soil in good 1 tilth until the plants get well started'to growing it is much easier to maintain- a good \ growth. One decided advantage in having the soil well prepared when the seed is planted is that it will be possible to begin the cultivation earlier. In most cases when the cultivation is commenced in good season in the garden a sharp steel rake or prong hoe, and, in the Seld, a good smoothing harrow will be foundthe best and most economical implements. Properly used, they will destroy the weeds that may have started up and at the same time will fine the soil and keep it in a good tilth. With all crops the cost?of cultivating is quite an item, and when the condition of the soil will admit using them in no way can the weeds be killed out so effectually and the soil be so thoroughly fined as when these implements are used. 1 Then the cultivator can be used, taking pains to work as close to the plants ss possible. There is no advantage in working the soil deep. Thoroughly stir the surface, and a better growth can be secured than by stirring deep, while shallow cultivation is easier on man , and team. Under ordinary conditions one good harrowing and three good cultivations should be given within the first six weeks of plant growth. Once the plants get well started to growing, it is comparatively easy to keep them growing. —St. Louis Republic.