Garden Plants Grown for Their Stems 285 

 Things to Do and Observe 



1. To determine the best kind of soil for potatoes. By inquiry 

 and observation learn the kinds of soil in which potatoes are 

 grown in your neighborhood. If you find that some are grown 

 in different soils, find out which gives the biggest yield. If pota- 

 toes are not grown at all in your locality, find the reason why. 



2. To determine what vegetables may be grown successfully as 

 border plants. In your visits to gardens note what vegetables 

 are used as border plants ; that is, what vegetables are planted 

 outside the main gardening area. For example, in one garden 

 you may find a double row of asparagus along the fence. This 

 arrangement does not interfere with the cultivation of the garden, 

 and the plants form a pleasing background. What other plants 

 do you find grown in this way ? 



3. To determine the best time to plant the various crops. Talk 

 with gardeners about the best time to plant each crop. Take 

 special note of what the older, more experienced gardeners tell 

 you. If you find that some go by the condition of the trees, shrubs 

 or flowers, make notes of the information given you. 



