THE GARDEN OF ANNUALS 



N preparing the garden for 

 annuals, the first thing to do 

 is to spade up the soU. This 

 can be done shortly after the 

 frost is out of the ground. 

 This is about all that can be 

 done to advantage, at this 

 time, as the ground must be allowed to remain 

 as it comes from the spade until the combined 

 effect of sun and air has put it into a condition 

 that will make it an easy matter to reduce it to 

 proper mellowness with the hoe or iron rake. 



Right here let me say: Most of us, in the 

 enthusiasm which takes possession of us when 

 spring comes, are inclined to rush matters. We 

 spade up the soil, and immediately attempt to 

 pulverize it, and of course fail in the attempt, 

 because it is not in a proper condition to pul- 

 verize. We may succeed in breaking it up into 

 little clods, but that is not what needs doing. It 

 must be made fine, and mellow, — ^not a lump left 

 in it, — and this can only be done well after the 

 elements have had an opportunity to do their 



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