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DRAINAGE 



THIS most important phase of garden preparation is 

 all too often disregarded to the detriment of satis- 

 factory results. In order to thrive, a garden must have 

 proper drainage. Proper drainage keeps the soil in "fit" 

 condition to bear the biggest crops which its fertility en- 

 ables it to yield. 



Drainage means proper carrying off of surplus moisture. 

 In loose, sandy soils, too much drainage must often be 

 stopped, as far as possible, by the liberal use of coarse 

 manure. Stiff, heavy clay soils should be mixed with 

 cinders or underlaid with drain tile to allow surplus 

 moisture quickly to seep through. 



Correct drainage makes cold, heavy clay soil warmer 

 and puts all soils in better physical condition to bear the 

 desired crops. Where poor drainage and a lack of facilities 

 to create it threaten to handicap the gardener, a liberal use 

 of lime will frequently correct evils due to lack of drainage. 



