New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1918-12-31
HOME GARDEN CROPS
VALUED At $4,000
Amateur Farmers Make Wonder
full ShOWing-tO Continue Work

A report of the New Britain gardens
| for 1913 has just been issued by the
| cham Der of commerce, through Secr5-
| tary l.. \. Sprague and Supervisor
A1bin Holmquist. The record is a most
| pleasing one to the gardens committee
| and few cities of the size of New
| britain have been able to show equal
results. Feeling that there will be q
need of conservation equally as much
in the year 1919 as in 1918, the
| chamber is making plans for the early
appointment of 8 committee. The
January. Last summers report fol-
lows:
Work Done During Season.
The New Britain Gardens Commit
tee began their work March Is, 1918.
About /, 400 applications for gardens
were received at the rate of 40 per
day until the 18th of April when the
time SET for receiving applications ex-
pired. In the meantime 100 acres of
land were secured for cultivation. 1t
was the second week in April before
the soil was in proper condition for
blowing and almost the last week in
June when the land was plowed, har-
rowed and plotted out. During this
time there was much work in the
office in allotting the plots, taking in
payments, giving information, etc. I
believe that much more, and more
efficient work could be accomplished
if only the work had been started
earlier in the season.
Instructions in planting were given
to individuals as well as to groups,
The gardens were visited during the
entire season with practical instruc-
ton to all those in need. Lectures
were given to the Junior Food Army.
There are $50 Junior Food mem bers
in New Britain. Much interest was
shown by the boys and girls. The
chairman of the Junior Food Army
expects at least 1000 members in
1919. Personally l have much faith
in the Junior Food Army. l believe
that much work could be accom- lish-
ed in this line by creating an interest
that will tend to promote agriculture.
Combating insects and diseases re
CURED probably the largest part of
the seasons work. All gardeners
were warned as soon Us any insects
Or diseases made their first appear
ance. Articles were printed in the
newspapers as to prevention remedy,
etc. Spraying materials were pre-
pared at their, gardens and sold at
cost. Because of all these efforts
many gardens were saved and made
successful.
The gardeners as whole this year
were very energetic and interested.
AS far as keeping their gardens free
from weeds and we'll cultivated I can
find no fault. From last years ex-
perience they have learned the folly
of neglecting the gardens and are
more ready to receive instruction to
make their garden more of success.
From the experience gained during
my work in connection with the gar
dens I have noticed that probably rs
per cent Of the gardeners who were
fortunate in obtaining and planting
their gardens early were the most
successful. Since most of the new
garden pests do not make their ap
pearance until the tubers are nearly
half formed, it is very important to
have the gardens ploWed early this
year, thus allowing the plants to be
practically matured before the dam
ger period. In 1919 we will undoubt-
eddy need $500 gardens and success
will depend largely on how early the
movement will be started.
The exhibit at the State fair was
highly comm ended. Inc gardeners
were enthusiastic over their exhibits
and the premiums awarded. The
Junior Food army of New Britain also
made a splendid showing in competi-
ton with other Junior members from
all over the state.
An agricultural survey was made or
all the gardens in New Britain The
QUESTIONABLE accompanying this re-
port shows more in detail the results
of the various gardens. Following
are the results of the New Britain
community gardens for 1918:
Thirteen thousand bushels of pota-
toes 5000 head Of cabbage, 22O bush
els of beans. $50 bushels of sweet
corn, $50 bushels of beets, LOO
bushels of turnips, $50 bushels of mis-
cellaneous.
The value Of this years results is
estimated at more than $4,000, COM
pared with $4,000 of last year.
ALBIN HOLMQUIST,
superintendent
A QUESTIONABLE filled out by super
intendent Albin Holmauist shows the
standing of the gardens in this city,
-exitE