New-York tribune., 1902-08-17
VACANT LOT FARMING.
SUCCESS OF THE POTATO PATCH"
PLAN IN PHILADELPHIA

When the early morning trains on the Reading
Railroad pass certain well kept farm the out
skirts OF Philadelphia. the men and women who
coming reluctantly from their farms and
suburban places to city offices crane their necks
eager interest. They comment the condition
OF the potatoes and the growth OF the corn. A
stranger looking OF the window n
piece of land divided off like old fashioned
patchwork qullt-here a square of potatoes, there
strip OF onions, and between them patch OF corn.
The laborers unusual than the man.
IN which the garden is laid A stout old
German woman. resting In her wheelbarrow,
pushes back her calico sunbonnet TO survey the
passing train. An Italian tolls her. welding
hoe in place OF the usual pickaxe. and whole
family OF Irish children have established them
selves under a ne!ghbortng tree
II the stranger makes inquiries OF his neighbor
in the car, VIII be told that this IS one OF the
farms Of the Philadelphia Vacant Lots CuItiva-
ton Association II he questions further he Will
probably find his informant we'll acquainted with
the work for the average Phi.adeiphian feels a
personal interest in an experiment that has sue
cceded well.
The work has indeed passed the experimental
stage The association was organized in 1897. dur
ing a period of Industrial depression. to aid men
who could obtain work. Similar associations
were started In number OF Eastern cities, fol-
lowing the plan Of Governor Hazen s Pingree
who had established gardens IN Detroit in 1884.
while he was Mayor of that city Some of these
were intended to give only temporary aid and were
discontinued when Industrial conditions became
better Others failures from the beginning
a few among which is the Philadelphia associa-
tion lived and strengthened. Each year this asso
citation brings more land under cultivation and
assists a greater number OF families toward self
support.
The first year twen'y-seven acres OF land were
cultivated and the ninety-seyen families who had
gardens raised nearly 5000 worth of vegetables
In 1901 the ffth season. 632 gardens covering $50
acres were worked by GOO families. The associa-
ton expended that year something over S4'oo ana
the value of the crops. calculated from cheIuly
kept records of each garden. was $4,000 This
means that for each dollar expended over 81 worth
of vegetables raised.
Plots OF land In and about the city, varying IN
size from thirtysecond Of an acre to eighteen
acres are loaned by the owners TO the association
These tracts are divided among the people who
appIv for them The unit OF division is One-quarter
acre but more or less may be given according to
the the applicant and his ability TO DO the
work No garden is larger than one acre Inc
land is pioughed narrowed and partially fertilized
bv the association. Seeds and young plants are
also furnished but the worker must provide MS
tools
Superintendent Powell and his assistants are al
ways hand to give aid and advice to the anna
teur farmer who is sometimes handicapped hy MS
inexperence. One man. determined not to let undue
thrift in the way of success. scattered paris
green with so lavish a hand that his potato vines
died in company with the bugs In despair. the
gardener OF "A year sought Superintendent Powell
AS n result Of their conference. sturdy green corn
leaves pushed their way up between pathetic rows
OF blackened potato vines few weeks later and
a new crop was started it's way.
The money to pay running expenses Is con-
tributed by Philadelphia men who are interested
in phanthropic enterprises. 1t has been suggested
that by charging a slight rent the work could be
made se!r-supporting This does not seem wise.
however The profit the individual farmer Is
so slight that he can Ill stand its reduction. ana
most OF the applicants for land are so poor and
have so little confidence In themselves that they
refuse the gardens rather than take upon them
selves the slightest financial responsibility. The
assistance given is from the disadvantages
which attend much charitable work. for II Is use
less to the recipient unless he adds thereto his
own labor 1t is an assistance that strengthens
rather than weakens.
There are but conditions attached TO the
taking up OF garden: First the garden must
be cared for. and. second, one may trespasS on
arother's land. A careful oversight is kept over
each garden and timely warning given when the
weeds are getting thick Land not well cultivated
is taken away from the negligent worker and
turned whose garden stands sponsor
for his industry. In some cities IL was attempted
to have the men in the fields at a hxed hour
and to require a certain amount OF work each day,
but this was found impracucable. II left TO them
selves to choose the time and manner of working,
the old men work a little, rest a little. and
work a little more with occasional pause for