5 8 GARDEN PROFITS 



SUGGESTIONS WORTH MONEY 



"In August, some one suggested cutting off the 

 tops and branches of the tomatoes, leaving only 

 three stalks to a plant. I tried this with a dozen, 

 which were tied to stakes; the others were left to 

 grow as they would, supporting some in frames made 

 of barrel hoops and staves, and tying the others to 

 lattices which were at hand. The first method is 

 the best, as it economizes space, and results in larger 

 and more abundant fruit. The cost of fertilizers is re- 

 duced by the use of wood ashes, of which I collect 

 about a bushel in a winter. Another economy is a 

 compost heap, where are thrown old vines, the 

 kitchen waste, and autumn leaves raked off the 

 front yard. These last retain moisture and will be 

 decomposed by spring. When recommended to me, 

 I thought such a collection would make an unsightly 

 object, but this difficulty was rectified by sprinkling 

 seeds of wild cucumber and scarlet runner over the 

 heap, and planting around the edge a screen of 

 Russian sunflowers. 



LIST OF EXPENDITURES 



Plowing $1.00 



Commercial fertilizer I . oo 



Manure 3.00 



Seeds 2.50 



Tomato plants .50 



Bean poles .50 



Insecticides .25 



Labor hired i . 25 



Total . . . , , $10.00 



