Hoe Wheel
Cultivating Vegetables - Tips on How to Cultivate Vegetables Properly
Before taking up the garden vegetables individually, I shall outline the general practice of cultivation, which applies to all.
The purposes of cultivation are three to get rid of weeds, and to stimulate growth by (1) letting air into the soil and freeing unavailable plant food, and (2) by conserving moisture.
As to weeds, the gardener of any experience need not be told the importance of keeping his crops clean. He has learned from bitter and costly experience the price of letting them get anything resembling a start. He knows that one or two days' growth, after they are well up, followed perhaps by a day or so of rain, may easily double or treble the work of cleaning a patch of onions or carrots, and that where weeds have attained any size they cannot be taken out of sowed crops without doing a great deal of injury. He also realizes, or should, that every day's growth means just so much available plant food stolen from under the very roots of his legitimate crops.
Instead of letting the weeds get away with any plant food, he should be furnishing more, for clean and frequent cultivation will not only break the soil up mechanically, but let in air, moisture and heat all essential in effecting those chemical changes necessary to convert non- available into available plant food. Long before the science in the case was discovered, the soil cultivators had learned by observation the necessity of keeping the soil nicely loosened about their growing crops. Even the lanky and untutored aborigine saw to it that his squaw not only put a bad fish under the hill of maize but plied her shell hoe over it. Plants need to breathe. Their roots need air. You might as well expect to find the rosy glow of happiness on the wan cheeks of a cotton-mill child slave as to expect to see the luxuriant dark green of healthy plant life in a suffocated garden.
Important as the question of air is, that of water ranks beside it. You may not see at first what the matter of frequent cultivation has to do with water. But let us stop a moment and look into it. Take a strip of blotting paper, dip one end in water, and watch the moisture run up hill, soak up through the blotter. The scientists have labeled that "capillary attraction" the water crawls up little invisible tubes formed by the texture of the blotter. Now take a similar piece, cut it across, hold the two cut edges firmly together, and try it again. The moisture refuses to cross the line: the connection has been severed.
In the same way the water stored in the soil after a rain begins at once to escape again into the atmosphere. That on the surface evaporates first, and that which has soaked in begins to soak in through the soil to the surface. It is leaving your garden, through the millions of soil tubes, just as surely as if you had a two-inch pipe and a gasoline engine, pumping it into the gutter night and day! Save your garden by stopping the waste. It is the easiest thing in the world to do cut the pipe in two. By frequent cultivation of the surface soil not more than one or two inches deep for most small vegetables the soil tubes are kept broken, and a mulch of dust is maintained. Try to get over every part of your garden, especially where it is not shaded, once in every ten days or two weeks. Does that seem like too much work? You can push your wheel hoe through, and thus keep the dust mulch as a constant protection, as fast as you can walk. If you wait for the weeds, you will nearly have to crawl through, doing more or less harm by disturbing your growing plants, losing all the plant food (and they will take the cream) which they have consumed, and actually putting in more hours of infinitely more disagreeable work. If the beginner at gardening has not been convinced by the facts given, there is only one thing left to convince him experience.
Having given so much space to the reason for constant care in this matter, the question of methods naturally follows. Get a wheel hoe. The simplest sorts will not only save you an infinite amount of time and work, but do the work better, very much better than it can be done by hand. You can grow good vegetables, especially if your garden is a very small one, without one of these labor-savers, but I can assure you that you will never regret the small investment necessary to procure it.
With a wheel hoe, the work of preserving the soil mulch becomes very simple. If one has not a wheel hoe, for small areas very rapid work can be done with the scuffle hoe.
The matter of keeping weeds cleaned out of the rows and between the plants in the rows is not so quickly accomplished. Where hand-work is necessary, let it be done at once. Here are a few practical suggestions that will reduce this work to a minimum, (1) Get at this work while the ground is soft; as soon as the soil begins to dry out after a rain is the best time. Under such conditions the weeds will pull out by the roots, without breaking off. (2) Immediately before weeding, go over the rows with a wheel hoe, cutting shallow, but just as close as possible, leaving a narrow, plainly visible strip which must be hand- weeded. The best tool for this purpose is the double wheel hoe with disc attachment, or hoes for large plants. (3) See to it that not only the weeds are pulled but that every inch of soil surface is broken up. It is fully as important that the weeds just sprouting be destroyed, as that the larger ones be pulled up. One stroke of the weeder or the fingers will destroy a hundred weed seedlings in less time than one weed can be pulled out after it gets a good start. (4) Use one of the small hand-weeders until you become skilled with it. Not only may more work be done but the fingers will be saved unnecessary wear.
The skilful use of the wheel hoe can be acquired through practice only. The first thing to learn is that it is necessary to watch the wheels only: the blades, disc or rakes will take care of themselves.
The operation of "hilling" consists in drawing up the soil about the stems of growing plants, usually at the time of second or third hoeing. It used to be the practice to hill everything that could be hilled "up to the eyebrows," but it has gradually been discarded for what is termed "level culture"; and you will readily see the reason, from what has been said about the escape of moisture from the surface of the soil; for of course the two upper sides of the hill, which may be represented by an equilateral triangle with one side horizontal, give more exposed surface than the level surface represented by the base. In wet soils or seasons hilling may be advisable, but very seldom otherwise. It has the additional disadvantage of making it difficult to maintain the soil mulch which is so desirable.
Rotation of crops.
------------------
There is another thing to be considered in making each vegetable do its best, and that is crop rotation, or the following of any vegetable with a different sort at the next planting.
With some vegetables, such as cabbage, this is almost imperative, and practically all are helped by it. Even onions, which are popularly supposed to be the proving exception to the rule, are healthier, and do as well after some other crop, provided the soil is as finely pulverized and rich as a previous crop of onions would leave it.
Here are the fundamental rules of crop rotation:
(1) Crops of the same vegetable, or vegetables of the same family (such as turnips and cabbage) should not follow each other.
(2) Vegetables that feed near the surface, like corn, should follow deep-rooting crops.
(3) Vines or leaf crops should follow root crops.
(4) Quick-growing crops should follow those occupying the land all season.
These are the principles which should determine the rotations to be followed in individual cases. The proper way to attend to this matter is when making the planting plan. You will then have time to do it properly, and will need to give it no further thought for a year.
With the above suggestions in mind, and put to use , it will not be difficult to give the crops those special attentions which are needed to make them do their very best.
About the Author
A Greens Patch with a Planet Jr. Wheel Hoe, #1...
 |
 Set of 3 Rotary Hoe Wheel Sunflower Garden Art John Deere $34.99 Time Remaining: 19d 19h 3m Buy It Now for only: $34.99 Buy It Now |
 Rotary hoe wheel farm tool lawn and garden decor $12.99 Time Remaining: 1h 7m |
 Old Iron Red Spiked Rotary Hoe Wheel Garden Flower 17 $17.88 Time Remaining: 25d 8h 21m Buy It Now for only: $17.88 Buy It Now |
 2 ANTIQUE CAST IRON WHEEL ROTARY HOE IMPLEMENT YARD ART $50.00 Time Remaining: 5d 18h 54m Buy It Now for only: $50.00 Buy It Now |
 Fits Hoss Planet Jr Wheel Hoes Seeder Planter Attachment For Garden Seeding $159.99 Time Remaining: 13d 10h 1m Buy It Now for only: $159.99 Buy It Now |
 Old Red IHC Iron Spiked Rotary Hoe Wheel Garden Flower $18.88 Time Remaining: 24d 15h 19m Buy It Now for only: $18.88 Buy It Now |
 Old iron John Deere rotary hoe wheel primitive farm equipment garden decor $24.05 (5 Bids) Time Remaining: 8h 17m |
 Fits Hoss Planet Jr Wheel Hoes Set Of 3 Cultivator Teeth C506 Gardening $12.99 Time Remaining: 24d 6h 40m Buy It Now for only: $12.99 Buy It Now |
 Hoss Lil Double Wheel Hoe Push Plow Garden Wheel Hoe Turn Plow Cultivator $275.00 Time Remaining: 27d 12h 4m Buy It Now for only: $275.00 Buy It Now |
 HOn30 HOe pair of 4 wheeled truck disconnect underframe $6.50 Time Remaining: 10h 26m Buy It Now for only: $6.50 Buy It Now |
 HOSS LIL DOUBLE WHEEL HOE PUSH PLOW + NEW SEEDER + ALL ATTACHMENTS 4 GARDENING $557.99 Time Remaining: 7d 20h 19m Buy It Now for only: $557.99 Buy It Now |
 OLD ROTARY Hoe TILLER Iron garden art metal Wheel 17 1367 $79.99 Time Remaining: 18d 20h 39m Buy It Now for only: $79.99 Buy It Now |
 Old Farm Equipment Rotary Hoe Wheel Primitive Country Garden Decor John Deere $9.95 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 2d 18h 46m |
 OLD Iron ROTARY Hoe TILLER Wheel metal garden art 2044 $79.99 Time Remaining: 16d 15h 46m Buy It Now for only: $79.99 Buy It Now |
 1958 Press Photo Wheel Hoe $14.97 Time Remaining: 11d 23h 33m Buy It Now for only: $14.97 Buy It Now |
 Old Hoe Rotary Tiller Iron garden art Wheel 2080 $79.99 Time Remaining: 18d 21h Buy It Now for only: $79.99 Buy It Now |
 Lot Of 4 Lug Nut For Rear Wheel 760B Terex Backhoe 760 B Back Hoe $5.84 Time Remaining: 24d 15h Buy It Now for only: $5.84 Buy It Now |
 Old Blue Spiked Rotary Hoe Wheel Garden Flower $15.88 Time Remaining: 15d 9h 44m Buy It Now for only: $15.88 Buy It Now |
 Vintage Rotary Hoe Wheel 12 inch Cast Iron Neat display $14.95 Time Remaining: 2d 18h 16m |
 The New Planet jr Seeder and Wheel Hoe by Farmer Browns $398.00 Time Remaining: 8d 17h 4m Buy It Now for only: $398.00 Buy It Now |
 Lot Of 4 Wheel Stud 760B Terex Backhoe 08 3475614M1 Back Hoe 760 B Front Wheel $6.49 Time Remaining: 24d 10h 6m Buy It Now for only: $6.49 Buy It Now |
 OLD Garden Yard Art Wheel Hoe ROTARY TILLER Iron 2070 $79.99 Time Remaining: 18d 13h 27m Buy It Now for only: $79.99 Buy It Now |
 1903 Print Ad Planet Jr Some People Nordyke and Marmon Co Two Wheels Hoe PA $9.99 Time Remaining: 27d 19h 35m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now |
 2004 John Deere 310G 4x4 Backhoe Wheel Loader A C Cab AUX Hyd Hoe Excavator $26,655.55 (35 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 19h 39m |
 John Deere Rotary Hoe Sunflower Cultivator Wheel $29.99 Time Remaining: 20d 11h 30m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 Buy It Now |
 Wheel Hoe Valley Oak Tool Company $265.00 Time Remaining: 29d 15h 38m Buy It Now for only: $265.00 Buy It Now |
 1948 49 AD Briar Edge Planet Jr Farm Garden Drill Seeder Wheel Hoe Cultivator $9.99 Time Remaining: 1d 6h 42m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now |
 JOHN DEERE 9400 PRESS WHEEL HOE DRILL OPERATORS MANUAL $10.00 Time Remaining: 17d 12h 55m Buy It Now for only: $10.00 Buy It Now |
 John Deere 9400 press wheel hoe drill operators manual $9.45 Time Remaining: 21d 16h 58m Buy It Now for only: $9.45 Buy It Now |
 Rotary Hoe Tiller Blade Wheel 19 Inches in Diameter Garden Sunflower Art $24.99 Time Remaining: 5d 18h 36m |
 Double Wheel Hoe $219.00 Time Remaining: 13h 13m Buy It Now for only: $219.00 Buy It Now |
 CASE Parts Catalog WTB Series Wheel Type Rotary Hoe $10.00 Time Remaining: 12h 2m Buy It Now for only: $10.00 Buy It Now |
 CASE Parts Catalog WTA Series Wheel Type Rotary Hoe $10.00 Time Remaining: 12h 2m Buy It Now for only: $10.00 Buy It Now |
 CASE Parts Catalog WT Series Wheel Type Rotary Hoe $12.35 Time Remaining: 12h 3m Buy It Now for only: $12.35 Buy It Now |
 Orange Case Spiked Rotary Hoe Wheel Garden Flower $15.88 Time Remaining: 22d 12h 9m Buy It Now for only: $15.88 Buy It Now |
 Vintage Steampunk Rotary Hoe Wheel Blade $9.50 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 8h 40m |
 CASE PARTS CATALOG WTA Series Wheel Type ROTARY HOE 834 L 10 $8.50 Time Remaining: 18d 20h 24m Buy It Now for only: $8.50 Buy It Now |
 John Deere 9400 press wheel hoe drill Operators Manual $9.74 Time Remaining: 28d 14h 33m Buy It Now for only: $9.74 Buy It Now |
 1897 AD Bateman Greenloch NJ Iron Age hoe wheel plow $9.99 Time Remaining: 21d 16h 12m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now |
 Old Red Rotary Hoe Iron Wheel Spiked Garden Flower $14.88 Time Remaining: 15d 10h Buy It Now for only: $14.88 Buy It Now |
 Troy Bilt Speedy Hoe Mini Tiller Wheels P N H21645411078 11381 12001 12054 $44.50 Time Remaining: 1d 12h 49m Buy It Now for only: $49.45 Buy It Now |
 John Deere 9400 press wheel hoe drill issue A8 operator $21.26 Time Remaining: 26d 21h 59m Buy It Now for only: $21.26 Buy It Now |
 JOHN DEERE 9400 PRESS WHEEL HOE DRILLS OPERATOR MANUAL jd $19.95 Time Remaining: 19d 19h 14m Buy It Now for only: $19.95 Buy It Now |
 John Deere 9400 press wheel hoe drill operators manual $9.45 Time Remaining: 21d 17h 3m Buy It Now for only: $9.45 Buy It Now |
 Case WT Series Wheel Type Rotary Hoe Parts Manual $6.00 Time Remaining: 12d 13h 21m Buy It Now for only: $6.00 Buy It Now |
 1876 ALLENS PLANET JR COMBINED SEED DRILL WHEEL HOES FARM AD AGRICULTURE $6.99 Time Remaining: 7d 21h 58m Buy It Now for only: $6.99 Buy It Now |
 OLD ANTIQUE JOHN DEERE ROTARY HOE WHEEL IMPLEMENT TOOL SUN FLOWER GARDEN DECOR $15.00 Time Remaining: 1d 11h 32m |
 JOHN DEERE 9400 PRESS WHEEL HOE DRILL OPERATORS MANUAL $9.99 Time Remaining: 25d 20h 11m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now |
 CASE PARTS CATALOG WTB Series Wheel Type ROTARY HOE 841 L 37 $9.00 Time Remaining: 18d 21h 28m Buy It Now for only: $9.00 Buy It Now |
 4 Orange Case Spiked Rotary Hoe Wheels Garden Flowers $64.88 Time Remaining: 19d 12h 32m Buy It Now for only: $64.88 Buy It Now |
 John Deere 9400 Press Wheel Hoe Drill Operators Manual $17.98 Time Remaining: 21d 15h 16m Buy It Now for only: $17.98 Buy It Now |
 John Deere 9400 press wheel hoe drill issue A8 operators manual See Reviews For This Product  |
 Earthway 6500W High Wheel Garden Cultivator with 24-Inch Steel Wheel and Wood Handle List Price: Sale Price: $110.72 You save: $19.27 (15%)  Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionKentucky style oak handles; 3 Position height adjustable handle; Heavy duty powder coated tubular steel frame; Easy change tool bar for quick tool installation; Large 24" steel wheel; Includes 5 tine cultivator, moldboard plow, and twin end furrow plow; 5 |
 Hot Wheels City Speedway Playset Sale Price: $14.69 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionHot Wheels City Speedway: Living here has its high-speed ups and downs, especially when you're zipping around this cool playset. It's got lots of crazy uphill/downhill racing action with a launcher and traffic control gates... |
 Hoes On My Jock Sale Price: $0.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product |
 Songs From the Workbench List Price: Sale Price: $13.99 See Reviews For This Product |
 Rubbermaid 7092 Long-Handle Tool Storage Unit Sale Price: $39.57 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 3-4 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionManufactured of durable, easy-to-clean plastic resin, this tool organizer assembles without hardware or tools in less than 5 minutes. With over 36 tool slots, the unit sports 15 handle guides for brooms, rakes, and shovels, as well as 18 slots for smaller tools... |
 Mature Blue Stilton - Pound Cut (1 pound) See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThe original pioneer of Blue Stilton, commonly referred to as "The King of Cheeses," was Mr. Cooper Thornhill, owner of the Bell Inn on the Great North Road in the town of Stilton. In 1730, Mr. Thornhill discovered a distinctive blue cheese while visiting a small farm in rural Leicestershire... |
 Earthway Tubular Steel High Wheel Cultivator 6500 List Price: Sale Price: $85.15 You save: $44.84 (34%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionWork-saving tool has greater operating stability than its imitators. Three tools included: Twin End Furrow Plow channels seed rows; Mold Board Plow works as plow and tiller; and the 5 Tine Cultivator handles weeding and soil loosening... |
 New Ray 1/18 Remote Control Volvo Wheel Loader Sale Price: $34.25 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionWhether you are just starting a die-cast metal and plastic collection or adding to an existing one, New Ray models are perfect for your shelf. The attention to detail and scale realism in these affordable models is simply spectacular... |
