276 THE BEGINNER'S GARDEN BOOK 



loosened the soil very much, or made holes, press back the 

 earth again with the fingers, and brush a little dust over the 

 place, so that it will not dry out. 



Only one danger is likely to further assail the young plants, 

 and that is frosts. If you think one is coming, protect the 

 seedlings overnight. This may be done by spreading cloths 

 or lawn clippings over the plants, or even by raking the earth 

 over them. Then in the morning the cover must be removed. 

 If you have covered with earth, the cover must often be 

 brushed off with the fingers, a tiresome process. But it is 

 better to do this than lose the plants. 



Danger from insects I shall speak of in another chapter. 

 But if you see a plant cut off, dig near by for an inch or so. 

 You may find a curled caterpillar which has caused the trouble. 



The care of young plants requires, as you see, some atten- 

 tion and some thought. Do not suppose it can be skimped, 

 or that it can be done in a hurry. Make your garden both 

 your business and your pleasure, work slowly at it, and it will 

 pay. 



Review Questions 



1. Why do you often want to work in your garden before the 

 seedlings appear ? In such a case, what can you do ? 



2. How can you help the seedlings when they are up ? 



3. How do you cultivate ? How fine is your mulch ? How deep ? 



4. Have you a wheel-hoe ? Do you wish one ? Why ? 



5. Explain your method of fertilizing. 



6. Why is thinning necessary ? What is your method ? How 

 can we avoid much thinning of beets and lettuce ? 



