12 GARDEN STEPS 



surface and soon feel the heat. The water quickly 

 evaporates, and it is probable that the plants would 

 be better off if they had not had any water at all, 

 for the roots would then be well below the surface, 

 seeking what moisture they could find. 



Another bad result of frequent watering is the 

 crust formed on the surface of the soil each time the 

 ground is watered. This crust enables the sun to 

 draw the water rapidly from the earth below. The 

 only way to prevent this evaporation is to break up 

 this crust thoroughly by cultivation. Of course, 

 frequent water means frequent cultivation and an 

 unnecessary increase in labor. So it is clear that if 

 we use a waterpot or a hose at all, it is better to put 

 on enough water to soak the soil thoroughly, well 

 below the plants, once or twice a week. 



Simple Irrigation Plans. — There are very satis- 

 factory ways of applying water to a small area like 

 the kitchen garden, without using the watering pot 

 or hose. One can irrigate with empty cans, old 

 water pipe, or tiling. 



Empty cans, such as tomato cans or oil cans, 

 holding a quart or more, may be sunk in the rows 

 every few feet. Perforate the bottoms" and sides, 

 so that the water may leak througkireely. Do not 

 sink them between the rows, as they will interfere 

 with cultivation. Fill these cans with water once 

 a day. It takes, but a moment to water a small 

 patch by this method, and. the. water is admitted 



