guss] GRADED COURSE OF GARDEN WORK 219 



Germination 



Children test as in Grade II at least one kind of seed to be planted. 



Teacher has them note accurately the number tested, how many start 

 strong and quickly, how many weak and slowly, how many do not start. 



Children draw conclusions about the worth of the seed (See Nature Leaflet 

 37, Mass State Board of Agriculture, on Seed Testing). 



Conditions of Plant Growth 

 From bulbs, seedlings or house plants in the room lead children to recog- 

 nize that plants need light, moisture, soil, air. (See leaflets. Experiments 

 with Plants and Soils. Do at least exps. 6 and 7 in this grade). 



Garden Soil 



Have children learn to recognize in the garden or elsewhere gravel, sand, 

 clay, woods-soil (humus), and loam (a mixture of the others)* 



Using the garden, or dry samples of these soils brought into school room, 

 let pupils experiment how re?dily water passes through each. (Fill a jar half 

 full of each, then pour on water slowly. Conclusions?) 



Have each pupil note carefully the kind of soil in his own plot. 



Plan 



The teacher works out the plan of their garden with the children, leading 

 them to consider arrangement, spacing, etc. 



When plan is worked out have a copy placed where the children may see 

 it. Have them refer to it constantly in planting the garden. May not 

 the children copy the plan? This will call for training in number as well as 

 drawing. 



Preparing the Class or Group Plot 



Children assist the teacher in preparing the plot, raking, measuring, lining, 

 marking, etc. 



Planting. Transplanting 



The teacher gives specific directions for use of all tools bandied and for 

 planting each kind of seed. Show them how far apart to make the rows, 

 how lar apart to plant the seeds, and how deep to cover them (Planting 

 Tables). 



Transplanting (See "Starting Seeds Indoors," second leaflet). 



Teacher shows and tells definitely how to transplant the geraniums, 

 pansies, or other plants chosen. Children imitate. 



Cultivation, Care, Etc. 



Hold the children responsible for the care of their garden (or each for a 

 part). 



Show them why we "thin out" young plants and how to do it. 



Talk with the children about weeds and why they must be kept out 

 (The weed is a robber. He takes moisture, light, food). 



Interest the children in their plants as living things that need their care. 



Teach them to till the soil between the plants and keep it loose at top and 

 free from weeds. Why? 



