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HOW OFTEN IS IT NECESSARY TO CULTIVATE OR HOE THE
GARDEN? The chief value of hoeing or
cultivation is to prevent weed growth, and for this reason it is
necessary to cultivate or hoe often enough to keep weeds from making a
start, but no more often. Digging the soil in itself does not favor the
growth of vegetables, but if done too deeply (more than an inch) may
cause some damage through injury to roots of the growing crop.
The best time to hoe is long enough after a good rain or irrigation to
allow the soil to become fit to work, but before weeds have gained a
start. Scrape the soil, breaking up the surface crust and destroying
germinating weeds, but not disturbing the soil at a greater depth than
one or one and one-half inches. ARE SUMMER MULCHES
BENEFICIAL? Summer mulches, in the form of
straw, grass clippings, or weeds which have not developed seeds, help to
conserve moisture, prevent soil erosion and the escape of rain water,
and, if applied thickly enough, stop weed growth. After they have served
their purpose, they may be worked into the soil as organic matter.
WHEN IS THE PROPER TIME TO HARVEST? Many
vegetables remain in best eating quality during short periods only,
particularly those used during the young stages of development of the
edible portion, such as peas, sweet corn, snap (string) beans,
cucumbers, and asparagus. Such vegetables should be harvested before
they have become over-mature, because their palatability, cooking
quality, and in some cases nutrient values and digestibility are highest
during the best stages for eating. If they are harvested when too young,
on the other hand, the quantity of food obtained will be less, and some
sacrifice of eating quality may be made.
Vegetables which are eaten when mature, such as tomatoes or melons,
should be allowed to ripen fully on the vine or plant. Root crops may be
harvested during a more or less prolonged period, beginning as soon as
they are large enough, and continuing until they begin to become corky
or woody. Carrots and beets, for example, may be harvested as needed,
from the time when they are large enough and throughout the rest of the
season. Carrots increase in carotene content (pro-vitamin A) as they
become older, and do not become tough or woody unless they are split or
damaged. |
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click for larger photo
Victory Gardens
Handbook of the
Victory Garden Committee
War Services, Pennsylvania
State Council of Defense
April, 1944
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page v
page vi
page vii
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