Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1918-01-17
TAKE THOUGHT
Of THE Spring
GARDEN NOW
Take thought of the spring garden

Take thought of the spring garden
now.
Not withstanding the large produc-
ton of vegetables this year and the
great volume put into cans and Jars
for winter use, there is nothing to in
dictate that there will not be equal
need for production and conservation
in 1918, says the United States De-
partment of Agriculture.
Many gardens failed this year be-
coause of poor soil or poor prepara-
ton or both.
This is the time in many sections
to break and to fertilize. Then in the
spring it will be easier to make the
seed bed and the soil will contain plant
food "
For the average householder it will
be sufficient to prepare ground enough
to produce the home supply for eating
in the fresh state and for canning.
drying or brining for use during the
following winter. Z
Producing vegetables for market
should not be undertaken without full
knowledge of horticulture and suffi-
cient capital and equipment.
Marshalltown, Ia, a city of 10000
has located through its county agent
and a special agent of the extension
department IS acres of lots within the
city limits which were not cultivated
the past season. They also found that
much ground was not properly plowed
and prepared during the past season
and that many of these lots failed tic
produce because of the poor character
of the soil Crops not well adapted
to certain soils had been planted.
1t is the plan of the county agent
and the local organization in Marsh
alltown to extend the cultivated area
and to see that the crops are adapted
to soil conditions. Investigations in
this city showed that $4,000 was paid
in cash last year for food for the poor
Ninety per cent of the potatoes con
sumed were imported from a long dis
tance. The committees conducting this
survey work were appointed by the
mayor and they are now systematical.
~ arranging to manure, pillow, and as
sign these lots to persons desiring
ground for gardens next year.
Here is what one Iowa city is doing
to get ready for next years campaign
FIRST A survey of the city wa
made and Is acres of space suitable
for gardens was located inside the city
limits in addition to what was put il
gardens last spring.
SECOND. Three hundred tons o.
manure which could be used for fer
tilizer were located within the city
limits
THIRD. An inspection of the trea
urer's books showed that $4,000 il
cash were paid out last year to need.
people
FOURTH. Ninety per cent of tn,
potatoes consumed last year were ship
ped in from outside points.
What did the city do about it?
I, the city council and commercial
club met and appointed committee
in every voting precinct. These com
mittees will arrange for teams, wagon!
and plows and will organize the worl
so that it can be done most efficiently
and economically.
The mayor says the city will use
some of the city money to employ
teams and wagons and plows if neces
sary.
1t is further planned that those VIII,
receive support from the city mus
take care of garden according to in
structions-that is, provided they ar
able to work.
Those who wish to prepare them
selves to make a success of home veg
etable gardens next spring should OBJ
tain Farmers Bulletin No S1S, 9Th,
Small Vegetable Garden" which tn,
United States Department of Agricul
ture, Washington, u. c., will send FIRE,
on request.