22 A HOME VEGETABLE-GARDEN 



dispose of the standing water. The result will 

 be a great improvement in texture. The water 

 settling in the soil renders it impenetrable, hard, 

 impervious. Kemoving the superfluous water 

 lightens the soil, makes it more open, porous, 

 friable. Through capillary attraction, more water 

 can then be held in readiness for the roots; and 

 they can more easily make their way into the 

 lower soil. Good drainage means also the utiliza- 

 tion of plant-food. As the roots reach down deep, 

 feeding on the newly unlocked food as they go, 

 they grow long and straight and big and tender. 

 Good drainage means using all the garden from 

 top to bottom, making use of the entire store of 

 food. That means producing bigger crops of 

 crisp better-flavored vegetables. 



Much can be done in the fall to make the garden 

 tidy for winter. A large part of the pruning may 

 be performed then, for as a rule pruning should 

 follow fruitage. All seeds may then be sorted and 

 stored in a dry place. The equipment ought to be 

 looked over as it is removed and put away safe 

 from damage. Wire netting, bean poles, stakes, 

 and boxes should be piled under cover. Water 

 pipes must be drained and put up out of the reach 

 of the frost. Fences should be mended; garden 

 seats repaired ; and all things put in order. 



When spring comes, it will need to be decided 

 whether it is best to plow again. A disc harrow 

 might do better. The layers of soil may be about 



