EARLY CULTIVATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3580, 3 October 1905, Page 4

EARLY CULTIVATION.

It Means Mnch Hard Work, But It li Work That Pays for Itself Mora Thau Twice Oror. Willi all cultivated crop* it is the early cul tivation 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 l 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 eases when the cultivation is commenced in good season in the garden a sharp steel rake or pronghoe, 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 is quite an item, and when the condition of the soil will admit using them in no way can the weedh be killed out so effectually and the soil be so thoroughly fined as when these implements are used. Then the cultivator can be used, taking pains to work as close to the plants as 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 bo 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.