THE FARM VEGETABLE GARDEN 405 



previous season and which enable him to take advantage of points which 

 would otherwise have escaped his mind. It is better to till a garden which 

 is smaller by a few square yards and to keep an adequate record than to 

 neglect this most important part of the gardener's task. The returns in 

 later years will amply repay for the time and energy involved. 



The first task is to decide what is wanted, making a list of crops, having 

 in mind the likes and dislikes of the family. This should provide for an 

 even distribution of products throughout the season and an adequate 

 supply to be canned or stored for winter use. It should also take into con- 

 sideration adaptation to climate, soil and space available. 



In most cases the rows should be laid out lengthwise of the garden, and 

 the spacing for all but the most intensive crops should be wide enough for 



" Plowed <Nre& 

 vegetables 

 planted in 

 rows 3>^ 

 _ feef.Apdxf. _ 



fitrdv w berries? 8ft- 



Aspar&g us 8ff 



Rhubarb Gooseberries C/urmntft 8ft. 



Ras pberries &V 



f?A<opber riee>_ HI aoK bern^S— 8 jr. 

 ' flUckhp.rries § • 



G rap eft oft 



A Farm Garden Laid Out for Convenience in Working. 1 



horse cultivation. At the same time, the possibility of a much smaller 

 garden to be tilled with wheel hoe and hand hoe may well be considered. 

 The permanent crops such as asparagus and rhubarb ought to be placed at 

 one side to avoid interference with tillage operations. In this same section 

 of the garden the hotbeds and cold-frames may well be placed. Early 

 crops should usually be kept together in order that the space made vacant 

 by their removal may be more conveniently utilized. Attention should 

 also be devoted to the symmetry, balance and neat appearance of the 

 garden. 



Fertility. — The first requirement for garden soil, as well as for farm 

 soil, is good drainage. In case of surplus water, tile drains should be laid. 

 Many soils which are not recognized as being especially wet are very 

 materially benefited by drainage. 



The farm gardener enjoys at least one great advantage over the city 



1 Courtesy of The Macniillan Company, N. Y. From "Farm Management," by Warren. 



