CHAPTER II 



Soils and Locations 



The person who expects to engage in commercial 

 gardening, depending upon it for his money income, 

 will usually spend some time and effort in searching 

 for a location where markets, soils and climate are 

 well adapted to the particular crops he expects to 

 grow. The home will be established in connection 

 therewith. Upon the other hand, the location of 

 the home garden is of necessity already established 

 by the location of the house. In many cases the 

 nature and character of the soil, drainage, fertility, 

 etc., are not what would be selected if an oppor- 

 tunity for choice were presented. The location 

 must be selected primarily with reference to its 

 convenience and accessibility. 



The first problem presenting itself is to so change 

 and modify the soil conditions as to make the loca- 

 tion a reasonably satisfactory one for the growth of 

 fruits and vegetables. Inasmuch as the area in- 

 volved will usually be small, this can be done at 

 comparatively small cost. If the soil is too wet it 

 can be drained. Tile drainage will always be pref- 

 erable to surface drainage. In heavy soils the tile 

 should be placed not less than 30 inches deep and 

 about a rod apart. In the looser type of soils the 

 tile should be laid 40 to 48 inches deep and two 

 rods apart. 



A sandy loam with a porous subsoil is generally 

 considered to be better for a general line of garden 

 crops. As a matter of fact, the term "garden soil" 



s 



