EARLY CULTIVATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3595, 7 November 1905, Page 4

EARLY CULTIVATION.

It UMDk Mnch Hard Work, Bat It la Work That Pays tor Itself More Titan Twice Over. With all cultivated crops it is the early cultivation that is the most important. The weeds are easiest killed when they first make t heir 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 pronghoe, and, In the field, 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 al the same time will fine the soil and keep it in a good tilth. With all crops the cosriof 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.

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 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. —SL Louis Republic.