PART II 



THE VEGETABLE GARDEN 



PERHAPS the most characteristic feature of Northern and 

 Eastern farms is the home vegetable garden. Even where 

 no orchard has been planted, and where the ornamental sur- 

 roundings of the home have been neglected, a fairly well-kept 

 garden in which are grown a number of the staple kinds of vege- 

 tables is generally to be found. In many cases the principal interest 

 in the garden is manifested by the women of the household and 

 much of the necessary care is given by them. A small portion of 

 the garden inclosure is generally devoted to the cultivation of 

 flowers, and a number of medicinal plants is invariably present. 

 Throughout the newer parts of the country it is seen that the condi- 

 tions governing the maintenance and use of the vegetable garden 

 are somewhat different, and, while a number of vegetable crops may 

 be grown somewhere on the farm, there is wanting that distinction 

 so characteristic of the typical New England kitchen garden. 



It would be impossible to make an accurate estimate of the value 

 of crops grown in the kitchen gardens of the United States, but from 

 careful observation the statement can safely be made that a well-kept 

 garden will yield a return ten to fifteen times greater than would the 

 same area and location if devoted to general farm crops. A half acre 

 devoted to the various kinds of garden crops will easily supply a 

 family with $100 worth of vegetables during the year, while the 

 average return for farm crops is considerably less than one-tenth of 

 this amount. A bountiful supply of vegetables close at hand where 

 they may be secured at a few moments' notice is of even more im- 

 portance than the mere money value. 



Fresh vegetables from the home garden are not subjected to ex- 

 posure on the markets or in transportation and are not liable to 

 become infected in any way. Many of the products of the garden 

 lose their characteristic flavor when not used within a few hours 

 after gathering. By means of the home garden the production of 

 the vegetable supply for the family is directly under control, and 

 in many cases is the only way whereby clean, fresh produce may be 

 secured. The home vegetable garden is worthy of increased atten- 

 tion, and a greater number and variety of crops should be included in 

 the garden. (F. B. 255.) 



The development and extension of truck farming in the Atlan- 

 tic coast States have been coincident with the development of trans- 

 portation facilities throughout that section. In the beginning the 

 points affording water connection with the great consuming centers 



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