402 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



The House Mother's Vegetable Garden. 



MRS. E. W. D. HOLWAY, EXCELSIOR, MINN. 



In these days we hear much of efficiency — we are taught 

 that it is not enough just to live, but that we must make our lives 

 count in the welfare of the world. Another word we are becom- 

 ing used to is "conservation." We must not waste that which be- 

 longs to the future. These two words are suggestive in relation 

 to gardening. 



As in the progress of civilization we find, more and more, 

 that forethought is necessary, that we cannot live only for this 

 day, or even for this year, so in the details of gardening the work 

 should be done with reference to coming needs as well as for 

 present requirements. 



I have had special charge of the vegetable and fruit gardens 

 for the house for several years. As house-mother I consider the 

 garden in connection with the serving of vegetables for my fami- 

 ly. It has taken me a long time to get the needed amount of each 

 thing, but now I feel that I have approximate measures for the 

 needs of a family of five. We are only three for all the year, but 

 the children come home, or others visit us ; so I plan to be sup- 

 plied, and find I can give away the portion not required at any 

 time. 



Instead of providing every fruit and vegetable for all times 

 of the year, I plan for certain things in their season. I count by 

 months, though the time of production varies from three weeks 

 to six weeks. 



Potatoes, beans, tomatoes and onions I must have for the 

 whole year. 



Then for main vegetables for the months, I have: first, 

 salsify, which should be available in March. Next year I will 

 have my bed shaped so that a cold frame nearly ten feet long, 

 with half sash, can be placed over to thaw out the earth in time. 

 For April I have parsnips — about the same amount as of salsify. 

 Both beds must have a light covering in fall after first freezing, 

 to prevent thawing in winter. The seed must be planted in April 

 for these two things, so a place must be chosen which can be 

 spaded two full spades deep in fall, with barnyard manure not 

 too new in the lower portion. These beds should be left rough 

 and uncovered. 



When asparagus begins to push up its big green fingers about 

 the first of May there is feasting in this house. This is the main 



