When starting or growing a garden thorough preparation of the soil is essential. Smaller plots may be turned over by hand but much spading soon dampens the interest in gardening. Usually it is much more satisfactory to have the plot plowed or rototilled.
It is not desirable to plow until the soil has dried off fairly well. In many localities it is also possible to rent a rotary tiller by the day or have the job done at an hourly rate. In any case, if a handful of soil is clenched tightly in one hand and crumbles when patted with the other hand it is in ideal condition.
Stable or poultry manure are ideal soil amendments when applied broadcast and plowed under in the spring. The practice of placing a forkful of fresh manure directly under seeds or plants is to be discouraged. Fresh manure gives off ammonia gas that may injure or even kill seedlings and freshly transplanted plants.
After the soil is turned over an application of complete commercial fertilizer raked or harrowed into the soil will assure better returns. About 40 pounds of 5-8-7, 5-10-5 or 4-12-4 fertilizer to 1,000 square feet will provide an ample quantity of plant food. This is particularly effective when combined with garden humus or even peat when animal manures are not available. An inch or two of such humus well worked in will pay for itself in results.
Commercial fertilizers are concentrated and the gardener should not place too much under plants or too close to the seed rows. In any event, fertilizer should be used whether or not manure has been applied and regardless of whether fertilizer was used last year.
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