EARLY CULTIVATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 3564, 24 August 1905, Page 4

EARLY CULTIVATION.

It Mean* flinch Hard Work, Hat It I* Work That Pay* for Itself More Than Twice Over. With, all cultivated crops it is the early cultivation that is t he most important. The weeds are ensi est kil led when they first make their appearance above ground, and if the weeds can be kept down and the soil in good 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 weii prepared when the seed is planted is that it will be possible fo begin the cultivation earlier. In most cases when the cultivation is commenced in good- season In the garden a sharp steel rake or pi onghoe, ami, in the field, a good smoothing harrow will be found'(be best ami most economical implements. Property used, they will d'estroy the weeds that may have started' up amt at the same time will fine the soil am! keep it in a good tilth. With all crops the cosMof cultivating Is quite an item, and when the condition of the sot! will admit using them in no way can the weeds be kitted out so effectually and the -oil be so thoroughly fined'as when ihe-e implements are used. Then the cultivator can be used, talcing pains to work as close to the plants as possible. There is no advantage in working tiie s.dl deep,. Thoroughly stir the surface, and a better growth can be secured than by siiu’im;' 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. Louts Ki public.