002 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



markedly so during the last few years. Why is this so? Because the 

 splendid work being done by the state agricultural college is beginning 

 to bear fruit. 



The first step in raising a good garden is the proper preparation of 

 the seed bed. The next important step is the selection of good seed. 

 How are we to know the seeds are good? First, by raising standard 

 crops; by proper breeding and harvesting and care of seed; second, 

 when the former plan is not possible, by dealing with a reliable seed man. 

 It is as important to have seed come true to name as it is to have them 

 grow. I am sorry to say that a good many otherwise sensible people 

 are led astray by the gaudy picture on .the cartoon and order "things" 

 that "look nice" without any regard for its adapability to soil or 

 climate. To get the best results, one should plant seed that will mature 

 in the climate where planted. Before planting, the seed bed should be 

 in good shape. It should be loose and mellow so the small seed will 

 germinate naturally. Good seed put in soil in an unfit condition will 

 never give good results. The best of seed, planted under the most 

 favorable conditions and in the best of soil, will amount to nothing 

 worth while without proper careT 



I have often heard people say: "Oh, I never have luck, like you," 

 and "we do so like garden truck." In raising a garden there is no such 

 thing as luck. If one waits on the small chance of being favored by 

 luck I am afraid their garden v.ill be minus much of the "truck" found 

 just over the fence in the garden tended by industry, thrift and know 

 how. It is work — continual worlc — that produces dividends in the garden 

 and not luck. 



The farmer could, and some of them do, raise their living on a small 

 plot of ground, including small fruit and vegetables that a day laborer, 

 office man or clerk spe.ids his wages for. 



A garden properly planned and tended is not only a source of comfort 

 but is a profit as well. If the products of the garden had to be purchased 

 the farm crops would have to be figured closer to make the necessary 

 margin of profit. 



But, let me say, do not depend on some one, or some seed man, for 

 your seed. When you have good seed acquire the habit of saving from 

 the best you have. When sowing peas or beans do not pick them over 

 until they get unfit for use. Pick out the strongest and finest and let 

 the whole crop ripen, and when dry pick and put away. By following this 

 method you are almost certain to have seed that will grow and the decided 

 advantage of knov»ing they will produce true to name. 



A result that naturally follows the practice of saving for seed only 

 the last on the vines is the weakening of the variety and in a few years 

 will run out altogether . When you hear a person talking about corn, 

 potatoes or any oth-er farm product "running out," you may set it dov/n 

 as a foregone conclusion that mighty little attention has been given to 

 the selection of seed. 



AVith proper attention to cultivation and care in the selection of seed one 

 can improve any variety of garden or field crops. 



