Realizing Vitamin Potential In Soil

Spring's beginning in its most entrancing phase because of the promise it holds of things to come

. The season has much promise for the gardener who plans carefully now for the busy months ahead. Daffodils and other spring bulbs are appearing with the early-flowering shrubs. Take time out to study your plantings for possible improvements or replacements.

There are many gems among the newer daffodils. You may have a spot or two where the inclusion of an early-flowering shrub such as flowering almond or Manchu cherry (Prunus tomentosa) would enhance the setting. These flower early and profusely and, combined with forsythia and the spring bulbs, make a charming picture.

Outdoor Seeding

For most of us April is outdoor seed-sowing time. For those who have a greenhouse or coldframe, it can also be planting-out time for early vegetables. Do not delay with early sowing of peas, beets, carrots, lettuce, radishes, spinach and onions (seeds or sets). An early start and rapid growth when the temperature rises are necessary for "quality" in vegetables. Finish whatever remains to be done in the way of soil preparation. Do a thorough job as described in the March Pointers; this preliminary phase will make or mar your ultimate gardening success.

Plan Your Plot

With the current emphasis on rising food costs, any attempt at growing vegetables should be planned if the maximum in production and in quality is to be achieved. Emphasis is also being placed upon high vitamin content. The vitamin potential can be realized only when the soil is well supplied with minerals, organic matter and sufficient moisture to render the nutrients available to the roots. The stage at which the vegetables are picked is another important factor. If allowed to become woody and stringy before they are picked, most of the vitamins will have vanished.

Do not sow seed of the vegetables mentioned too thickly. Good seed has a high percentage of germination; a thick stand of seedlings only increases the job of thinning later. If a little compost or peatmoss, plus a sprinkling of superphosphate, is mixed into the soil of each furrow before seeds are sown, germination and initial growth will be aided.

Rows spaced 12 to 15 inches apart will do for all of these vegetables except peas. For these a spacing of 2 to 3 feet is required. depending on whether the variety is dwarf or tall. For main crop peas. the best varieties for regions where warm weather is delayed are Alderman and Telephone. Both are tall-growing and require brush or wire for support. It is advisable to treat peas with an inoculate which will insure the presence of essential nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the soil. This powder costs little and may be readily obtained at many seed stores. You'll find this precaution will be repaid in substantial yields.

by: Keith Markensen.

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