We have often been much surprised by noticing on farms otherwise perfect, that there was a want of regularity in the planting of the trees, vegetables and grain, and so we suggest that regularity in planting is one of the surest means of obtaining a good and equable crop. Even though it costs a little more labor at first, the fruit will amply repay. Give an equal share of soil to each root, and rather plant too little in a field than too much.
This article was originally published with the title "A Hint to Farmers" in Scientific American 13, 34, 272 (May 1858)
doi:10.1038/scientificamerican05011858-272