308 



VEGETABLE GROWING PROJECTS 



16. Thinning. — Vegetables like onions, radishes, lettuce, beets, 

 and carrots generally require some thinning to prevent crowding 

 and to give each plant the space it needs to attain full development. 

 This operation should have attention as soon as possible after all 

 the plants are up. The hand weeders may be used for this pur- 

 pose, removing weeds at the same time. 



1. What should be the spacing of the vegetables that generally 

 require thinning? 



17. Combating insects and diseases. — The home gardener 

 should be constantly alert for enemies that may appear suddenly 



arid cause great harm before 

 their ravages are checked. He 

 should be well informed regard- 

 ing the nature of the various 

 plant pests, and take precau- 

 tionary measures as much as 

 possible. Consult spray cal- 

 endars. 



The back yard garden seems 

 to be the rendezvous for insect 

 pests. Accumulations of refuse, 

 decaying board walks, hmnid 

 hiding places, or untrimmed bushes, all provide conditions favor- 

 able to hibernation or unarrested development of insect life. 

 Control for these pests is difficult, owing to lack of proper spray- 

 ing apparatus, but in some instances, as already pointed out, 

 practices may be followed in the home garden which would be 

 impracticable in larger plantings. Often a home-made apparatus 

 will be satisfactory if only a few plants are considered, 

 and here also dusting or proprietary commercial spray 

 materials may be more usable than the standard sprays. 

 Keeping rubbish from accumulating about the garden is one 



Fig. 78. — Wire worm. 



