CHILDREN'S GARDENS 125 



is, very careful cultivation and perhaps some special 

 protection against wind, and compare the results with 

 those children that water their plots often. However, 

 where it is possible to have water in the garden, it is 

 wise to do so. 



Care in every detail. Because the child's plot is 

 small and the rows are close together, it is important 

 to have all the conditions for success attended to. In 

 the beginning it was well manured, carefully spaded, 

 raked fine, and the rows planted carefully and straight. 

 Now it should be kept free from weeds, and well cul- 

 tivated. 



When thinning out plants, the children should be 

 instructed to take out small, weak plants, and leave 

 the largest and best looking. The purpose in thinning 

 out plants is to give more plant food and moisture 

 for the roots, and more air and sunshine for the 

 leaves, of those that remain. If they are too close 

 together they will not grow as we desire, and if too 

 far apart space is wasted. The principle is the same 

 whether it is one hundred acres or thirty square feet. 

 We want each plant to have just space enough to do 

 its best and no more. And we must give it this 

 space soon enough, and during its most active period 

 of growth. 



The corn should be thinned to leave two good 

 stalks. Four or five kernels are planted to be certain 

 to get two, but if all are left they will take too much 

 food from the other vegetables. Corn is called a 

 " vigorous feeder " and extends its roots wider than 



