20 GARDEN STEPS 



Needs of Plant Growth 



Garden plants may be given fertilizers exactly 

 suited to their particular needs. The study re- 

 quired in order to, do this for each plant, however, 

 is extensive, and not necessary for home gardening. 

 Two general divisions may be made among garden 

 plantSi One division includes those plants wanted 

 for their leaves and stalks, such as spinach, chard, 

 cabbage, cauliflower, and lettuce. Into the other 

 division go those plants grown for their seeds, like 

 corn and peas and beans, or for their fruits, such as 

 tomatoes and melons. Or for their roots, like po- 

 tatoes and other root crops. 



The plants in the first division require a good deal 

 of nitrogen, which stimulates the quick growth of 

 tops. Those in the second group need less nitro- 

 gen and more potash, which increases the slower 

 development of fruit, seed, and roots. 



"Complete" Fertilizer 



There is a fertilizer prepared by reliable houses 

 called a " complete " fertilizer, which may be used 

 with success on all plants in the garden. This is 

 the kind referred to in the following pages, when 

 commercial fertilizer is indicated. But if the gar- 

 dener wishes to study the special needs of the two 

 groups, he can buy two- grades of fertilizer, one for 

 the first group, and another, usually -called potato 



