South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-01-20
FOR THOUGHT
. OF SPRING GARDEN
Department of Agriculture to
Renew Campaign for Home
Gardening.

Take thought of the spring gar
den now.
Notwithstanding the large pro-
duction of vegetables this year and
the great volume put into cans and
jars for winter use, there is moth
ing TO indicate that there will not
be equal need for production and
conservation in 1918, says the Unit
ed States department of agricul-
ture.
Many gardens failed this year be-
cause of poor soil or poor prepare
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 con-
tain 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. Pro
ducing vegetables for market should
not be undertaken without full
knowledge of horticulture and suf-
ficient capital and equipment.
Marshalltown. Ia, a city of &C.
0G0, has located through its coun-
~ agent and a special agent of the
extension department 70 acres Of
lots within the city limits which
were not cultivated the past sea-
son. They also found that much
ground was not properly plowed
and prepared during the past sea-
son and that many Of these lots
failed TO produce because of the
poor character of the soil. Crops
not we'll adapted to certain soils
had been planted.
IL is the plan of the county agent
and the local organization in Mar
shalltown TO extend the cultivated
area and TO see that the crops are
adapted TO soil conditions. Inves-
LEGATIONS in this city showed that
$4,000 was paid in cash last year
for food for the poor. Ninety per
cent of the potatoes consumed were
imported from a long distance. The
committee conducting this survey
work were appointed by the mayor
and they are now Systematically ar
ranging to manure, pillow and assign
these lots to persons desiring
ground for gardens next year.
Here is what one Iowa city is do
ing to get ready for next years
garden campaign:
First. A survey Of the city was
made and IS acres of space suitable
for gardens was located inside the
city limits in addition 10 what was
put in gardens last spring.
Second. Three hundred tons of
manure which could be used for
fertilizer were located within the
city limits.
Third. An inspection OF the
treasurer's books showed that 50 =
600 in cash were paid out last year
to needy people.
Fourth. Ninety per cent OF the
potatoes consumed last year were
shipped in from outside points.
What did the city do about it?
Well. the city council and com
mercial club met and appointed
committees in every voting precinct.
These committees will arrange for
teams. wagons and plows, and will
organize the work so that il can be
done most efficiently and economic
ally.
The mayor says the city will use
some of the city money to employ
teams and wagons and plows if
necessary.
1t is further planned that those
who receive support from the city
must take care of a garden accord
ing TO instructions-tha is, pro-
vided they are able 10 work.
Those who wish to prepare them
selves to make a success of home
vegetable gardens next spring
should obtain farmers bulletin No.
SIS, THE Small Vegetable Gar
den" which the United States de-
partment Of agriculture, Washing
ton, d. c., will send free on re-