I have found that the insect
usually attacks late-sown and feeble plants. If the maggot were in
my garden, I should use the little sets only.
Some special manures have been employed in attaining the greatest
success with this vegetable. In England, pigeon-dung and the
cleanings of the pigsty are extensively employed. In this country
the sweepings of the hen-roost are generally recommended. It
should be remembered that all these are strong agents, and if
brought in contact with the roots of any vegetable while in a
crude, undiluted state, burn like fire, especially in our climate.
What can be done in safety in England will not answer under our
vivid sun and in our frequent droughts. These strong fertilizers
could be doubled in value as well as bulk by being composted with
sods, leaves, etc., and then, after having been mixed, allowed to
decay thoroughly. Then the compost can be used with great
advantage as a top-dressing directly over the drills when either
sets or seeds are planted. The spring rains will carry the
richness from the surface to the roots, and insure a very vigorous
growth. When the compost named in the early part of this paper is
used, I sow it thickly IN the drill, draw a pointed hoe through
once more, to mingle the fertilizer with the soil, and then
forthwith sow the seeds or put in the sets one inch deep; and the
result is immediate and vigorous growth.
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