Nongsang Jiyao (Vol. 2)

Planting with millet is beneficial because the millet is tall, dense, and provides shade, while still allowing air and dew to reach the plants. Even if one plants ten or more mu a unit of area, it is not overly strenuous or costly.

Essentials for the Farmer

The method for bed planting is the same as the previous one. The seeds should be fresh, not old fresh mulberry fruits are best for planting; if planted the following spring, many will not sprout. Shading the bed with a frame is best, followed by hemp, and then millet seedlings. When the mulberry buds appear, keep them five or seven inches apart standard measurement for cultivation. Water frequently. After the chufu beginning of the summer heat, they may grow to three feet. Cut away the hemp. In the tenth month, cut them down near the ground, scatter dry grass over them, and burn it the fire must not be too large, lest it damage the roots. Cover with manure and grass. By the following spring, rake away the manure and grass and water them. When each plant sprouts three or four buds, leave only the strongest one once the roots are established, they no longer need shade and can be watered frequently. By autumn—