VIII 

 CARE OF THE GAEDEN 



FROM the germination of the first seeds until 

 the harvesting of the last crop, there is always 

 something to be done in the garden. However 

 thorough the first work of soil preparation and 

 seed planting, the final success depends on the at- 

 tention that is given while the plants are growing. 

 The proper care of the garden for the remainder 

 of the season includes three things : the best use 

 of existing plant-food and moisture; intelligent 

 increase of food and moisture ; and adequate pro- 

 tection and care of growing plants. 



The best use of the plant-food and moisture 

 already in the soil at the beginning of growth is 

 brought about by cultivation. The care of the 

 garden used to mean weeding. It means that 

 now only incidentally. Unless destroyed, weeds 

 would be much more than an incident; but culti- 

 vation disposes of them before they have scarcely 

 germinated. While including in its course 

 destruction of those undesirable plants, the culti- 

 vator does far more. It brings the soil particles 

 into contact with the fertilizer and both with the 

 moisture, thus aiding chemical action. The more 



45 



