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Dig in well-rotted compost and rake the
soil over. Any fibrous material large enough to be picked up by the
rake can be piled on one side for use as mulch later.
If preparing the Bound for root vegetables mix the decomposed material
with the top layer of soil as evenly as possible and then turn it in to
about fork-depth, half turning the soil several times to ensure the
mixing is thorough. Do not add complete fertilizer close to planting
time unless you make certain to mix it in exceptionally well.
Most vegetables like a fairly alkaline soil. An addition to half to
two-thirds of a cup of garden lime or dolomite per sq. in once a year
would benefit all soils that are not naturally alkaline. It is quite
safe to add fertilizer at the same time. Beans, peas, onions, lettuce,
cabbage and beetroot all appreciate lime; rhubard, parsley, tomatoes
and radishes do not. Take care with potatoes — don't use lime unless
you are certain the soil is very acid.
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