CHAPTER V 



THE HOME ACRE 



A good garden is a source of pride, delight and 

 money profit to many a person whom circumstance or 

 inchnation does not impel to make gardening a leading 

 specialty. In many cases only a small area is planted 

 and the produce all used on the home table. Others 

 have a surplus for sale or gift. Many of these home 

 gardens entered in the contest were remarkable for 

 careful methods and for admirable results. 



High Grade Gardening. — A garden conspicuous 

 for the high grade of its products and a winner at the 

 country fairs was managed by L. E. Dimock of Con- 

 necticut, and the account received fifth prize. The 

 soil was sandy loam, southeastern slope, had been six 

 years in grass. Farm manure of various kinds was 

 freely used. Deep, thorough tillage, frequent cultiva- 

 tion and the use of mulch were features of the system 

 followed. Seeds were usually soaked before planting. 

 Mulch was often used. Following are some of Mr. 

 Dimock's gardening principles : 



Select a plot of ground that has been down in grass 

 for a number of years, as weeds are less troublesome 

 than in a piece that has been under cultivation. The 

 soil should be preferably a sandy loam. It should 

 have a gradual slope to the south that the sun's rays 

 may strike it more direct and also be sheltered in a 

 measure from the cool north winds. The first plow- 

 ing should be done in September of the year previous, 

 and to the greatest depth possible, as deep-tilled land 

 suffers much less from drouth. Stable manure spread 



