The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1914-05-12
SMALL GARDEN PAYS.
Saves Money and Means Fresher Prod
ucts For the Keeper.
(From United States Department Of
Agriculture Bulletin

I l. L IA - ~
Agriculture Bulletin.)
A half acre devoted to the various
kinds of garden crops WOuld easily
supply a family with 500 worth OF
vegetables during the year y boun-
tiful supply Of really fresh vegetables
close at hand, however, is of more
importance even than the honey
value. The home vegetable garden.
therefore, is worthy of special atten-
ton and should include a greater
number and variety of crops.
Where there is considerable choice
in the location of the-sarden plot, il
is often possible TO select land that
will require very little special prepa-
ration, declares the bulletin. On the
other hand, it is pointed out, it may
be necessary to take an undesirable
soil and bring it into suitable condi-
ton, and it is generally surprising to
note the change that can be wrought
in a single season.
Good drainage Of the garden area
is Of primary Importance, continues
the bulletin. 1t is desirable that the
land have sufficient fall 30 drain of
surplus water during heavy rains. but
the fall should not be SO great that
the soil would be washed. The sur
face of the garden should not contain
depressions in which water will accu-
mulate and stand. Waste water from
surrounding land should not be allow
ed to drain upon the garden.
The kind Of fertilizer employed has
a marked influence on the character
| and quality Of the vegetables pro-
duced. Fertilizers Of organic compo-
sition, such as barn-yard manure
menting stage before being used.
Well-rotted barnyard manure has no
equal as a fertilizer for garden crops,
Chicken, pigeon and sheep manure
rank high as fertilizer. and manure
from fowls is especially adapted for
dropping in the hills or rows Of plants,
Autumn is the time for blowing
hard or stiff clay soils, especially if
in a part Of the country where freez-
ing takes place. Sandy soils will bear
blowing much earlier han heavy clay
soils. The usual test is to squeeze to-
gether a handful, and if the soil ad-
heres in a ball it is too wet for work
ing. Hand spading should be resorted
to only IN very small gardens or where
it is desirable to prepare a small area
verify thoroughly.
In planning the location of the va
riOus crops in the garden due consid-
Grafton should be given to the success
sion in order that the land may be
occupied at all times. AS a rule. il
would not be best to have a second
planting of the same crop follow The
hrSt, but some such arrangement as
early peas followed by celery. or early
cabbage or potatoes followed by late
beans or corn, and similar combina-
tons are more satisfactory.
Garden seeds should ALWAYS be soWr
IN straight rows, regardless Of wher
the planting is made. BY planting
IN this manner the seedlings will be
more uniform in size and shape and
thinning and cultivating will be more
easily accomplished. Some vegetables
among the garden varieties
lively easily cultivated are artichoke
asparagus, beans, beets. Brussel.
sprouts, c~antaloupes, carrots. cauli
hover, cucumbers, sweet corn. cress
elephants, endive, potatoes. lettuce
okra, spinach p%arSnips, peas, pep.
perS, squash, and onions. From Wash
lngton southwark cabbage, caulifow
er ana similar crops are frequent,
grown on top or III the sides of ridges
When the plants are set on top o
the ridge better drainage for tn
roots Is secured. When set on tn.
south side of the ridge greater warmth
ana earlier maturity will be secured
and when planted on the north sid
the growth is retarded.