44 Gardening 



rapid development, for unfavorable conditions often 

 force them to flower and fruit before they reach full 

 size. 



The good gardener knows that injury once done to his 

 crops can seldom be repaired by any amount of later care ; 

 so he supplies the needs of his plants before they suffer. 

 He prepares the ground properly and plants his seed 

 carefully, so that the seeds may germinate and start 

 vigorous growth at once. He cultivates the young 

 seedlings before the soil becomes compact and weeds 

 appear, so that they may come to the period of rapid 

 growth quickly and in good condition. When rainfall 

 is scant, he waters his garden before the soil becomes dry. 

 He thins his seedlings before they crowd each other, and 

 he pulls weeds before they overshadow and damage his 

 plants. 



All this he does because by experience he has learned 

 that the growth his plants make and the amount and 

 quality of food that they yield depend on the care they 

 receive from day to day. 



Questions 



Describe a plant cell. In what two ways do plants grow? 

 Explain how new parts are formed. In what parts of a plant 

 is growth most rapid? What are the four stages in the life of 

 garden plants? How does the storage stage of the carrot differ 

 from that of the tomato? Compare the fruiting stages of these 

 two plants. 



Why do plants need special care during the seedling stage? 

 Why should the gardener try to supply the needs of his plants 

 before they begin to suffer ? Name some of the things a gardener 

 does to make conditions favorable for his plants. 



