EARLY CULTIVATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 3563, 22 August 1905, Page 4

EARLY CULTIVATION.

It H«»a« Mich Hmil Work, Bat It la Work That Pay* tor ItooU Mo*o Thaa Twlo® 0t»». With all cultivated crops it is the early cultivation that is the most important. The weed* are easiest killed when : they first make their appearance above ground, and if the weeds can be kept - "down and the soil in good l tilth until the plants get well started'to growing it is much easier to maintain » good growth. One decided advantage in har- ‘ lag 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 field, a good smoothing harrow . will be found’the 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 ie 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 finedo« when these implements are used. Then the cultivator can be usedf 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 cm 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 got well started to growing, it ia comparatively easy to keep them growing. —•St. Leuia Republic.