Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-03-21
IS
 ADVISABLE WITH
 HOME GARDENERS
Preparation of Plan Will Aid in Systematic Work
 In Backyard Gardens.

A little forethought will enable a comparatively small tract of land to supply the average family with fresh vegetables throughout the growing season, say specialists in the United States department of agriculture Most owners of small gardens are content to raise single crop on each plot of land at their disposal. It is quite pos sible, however, to grow two or three crops ill one season, and if these are properly selected the homegrown produce will be both better and cheaper than any that can be pur- chased on the market.
 Just what vegetables are to be grown depends, of course, upon the individual tastes of the family. In general it may be said, however, that the aim of the home gardener should be to raise vegetables in which fresh- ness is an important quality. Peas and string or Lima beans, for example, lose much if they are not cooked al most immediately after they are picked. On the other hand, as good potatoes can be bought as can be grown. Moreover, they occupy a large area in proportion to their yield and consume in a backyard or small garden valuable space which could be put to much more profitable use.
 This is true, also, of corn, cucum- bers, squashes and melons. It will also pay the amateur gardener to grow certain specialties of which he may be fond, and which may be trou- blesome or expensive to purchase Okra is an example of this case, and little beds of parsley, chives, or other herbs take up very little room and provide the housewife with little addi- tions for her table which are most welcome if they can be picked at the right moment without trouble.
 If the small garden plot, however, is to be made to bring the maximum re- turns in economy and pleasure to the owner, every available foot of it must be made to work continuously. This can be accomplished only by careful planning, and it is recommended, therefore, that amateur gardeners draw ID in advance complete lay cut for their garden.
 On the plan the gardener should in- N1ColV L1AC uctIC W uCH CCCH Ol HIS pIO. jected crops is to be planted. No more space should be allotted to each than is needed to furnish sufficient quan- tit yof the vegetable for the family consumption or for local sale. In many cases, also, space should be left between the rows for the interplant- ing of later crops and for easy culti- vation. Plants which make a high growth and cause heavy shade should not be located where they will inter- fere with sun-loving small plants. PerenDials. too, such as rhubarb and asparagus, which are not cultivated, should not be grown among plants which call for tillage.
 If a garden is planned in this way and the scheme carried out, the plan should be kept for use the following year, with notes of the success or failure of tho different items in it. For example, if too much or too little of any vegetable was grown this fact should be recorded It is not desir- able, however, to follow too closely the same plan i;, succeeding years. The same kind of vegetables should not be grown twice, if this can be avoided, in the same part of the garden.