CHAPTER XIX 

 THE HOME GARDEN 



Problems. i. To understand the nature of different 

 soils. 



2. To learn the value of water and air in the soil. 



3. What are the purposes and methods of cultivation? 



4. To find out what are the important plant foods, and 

 how you would supply them if lacking. 



5. To learn how to force early vegetables. 



Experiments and demonstrations. i. To test a sample of garden soil 

 for acidity with blue litmus. 



2. To show capillarity in gravel, sand, clay, and loam. 



3. To show the effect of cultivation to prevent loss of soil water. 



4. To test the starch-making power of a plant in sunlight and in absence 

 of light. 



Project I. To LEARN WHAT THE SOIL NEEDS FOR ANY PARTICU- 

 LAR CROP. 



i. Does it need humus? 2. Does it need draining? 3. Does 

 it need lime? 4. What are the three principal chemicals found in 

 commercial fertilizers? Which are needed in my garden? 



Suggestion. 



A test to show what chemical elements are most needed is best 

 carried out in plot testing as follows: 



Make seven equal-sized plots, say, 5 feet wide by 25 feet long. 



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