46 SUCCESSFUL FARMING 



in the planting of a field of oats may result in a very serious reduction in the 

 yield. On the other hand, it is possible to so plan the work that both crops 

 and garden receive the best of care. In fact, one is impressed with the 

 correlation which exists between good farming and good gardening. It is 

 largely a matter of management. 



It is the aim of this article to offer some suggestions and general hints 

 on garden making which may be of service to those trying to meet a given 

 set of conditions. Rules are subject to numerous exceptions depending 

 on conditions of soil, climate and exposure. These vary so widely that each 

 must expect to work out his own salvation. An increasing measure of 

 success from year to year is the reward to him who is willing to see and to 

 think and to do the best that he knows, even though his knowledge in the 

 beginning be exceedingly meagre. 



Choosing a Site. The gardener should carefully avoid the mistake of 

 undertaking to cultivate a plot which is too large. A small area well kept 

 and intensively managed will be much more satisfactory. It is safe to say 

 that half an acre is the extreme for the ordinary family. Such a plot may be 

 expected to yield an abundance for summer and autumn use, as well as for 

 canning and storage. It is better to start with a garden too small than one 

 too large. 



On most farms, some choice as to location is possible. The garden 

 should be near the buildings. It should be within easy reach of the house- 

 wife so that she may gather the products just as she is ready to use them. 

 A distant garden seldom receives the care which is required. If the location 

 is convenient, the hired men can make use of odds and ends of time which 

 would otherwise be wasted. The cultivator which has finished its task a 

 half hour before noon may loosen the crusted soil of many rows. 



A southeasterly exposure is earlier and ordinarily offers protection from 

 the severest winds. Roots of trees and shade of buildings should be care- 

 fully avoided. 



If it is possible to choose from different types of soil, it is best to select 

 a sandy loam. Heavy soil, the clays and clay loams, are lumpy when dry 

 and are sticky and unworkable when wet. They cannot be cultivated early 

 in the spring. On the other hand, the lightest sands ought to be avoided, 

 in spite of the fact that they are loose and friable and may be tilled e^en when 

 wet. They are not retentive of moisture or fertility. Of course, high 

 fertility is of prime importance, but a soil may be improved in this respect 

 more readily than in physical character. Freedom from weed-seed and 

 disease must also be sought. 



The Garden Plan. Good planning is no less important in the garden 

 than on the farm, although it is more often neglected here than in connec- 

 tion with the broader fields. During the winter the thoughtful gardener 

 gathers about himself a supply of catalogues, a few good garden books and 

 bulletins, together with paper, pencil and ruler. Furthermore, he refers 

 to the concise but comprehensive notes which he has made during the 



