THB se:ed annual of the 



^Ix^ Xr^^otabl^ Oar-d^xi. 



To truck farmers and professional gardeners we do not deem it necessary to give prac- 

 tical advice on vegetable culture, nor do we claim that our practical knowledge is more 

 than theirs. However, a few hints on vegetable gardening for the' benefit of our patrons, 

 who have not the necessary experience, we think would deserve a place in our 

 Garden Manuai.. 



The size of the Vegetable Garden depends entirely upon the purpose for which it is 

 intended; whether the family is large or small, and the time which can be devoted to its 

 cultivation. The most suitable soil for a garden is alight loam, but our heavy, sometimes 

 clay like alluvial soil may be prepared for the purpose by the admixture of such parts as 

 are lacking. As a general rule where an excess of humus and undeca^^ed or imperfectly 

 decaved vegetable matter is present, lime instead of a fertilizer would be found to be of 

 advantage, as by its use nature is materially assisted in decomposing all vegetable matter 

 that otherwise would not easily decompose, thereby converting them into a substance 

 beneficial as a plant food, while on the other hand destroj'ing the fermentative properties 

 of all undecomposed vegetable and animal matter and preventing the soil from getting 

 sour. River sand mixed in with heavy and clay soil is of great advantage to the veget- 

 able garden, especially when together with well rotted horse manure. 



Manuring depends entirely on the condition of the soil. Stable manure, where it is 

 obtainable in a partly decayed condition, is the most reliable. In heavy soil horse manure 

 is preferable, while in light and sandy soil cow manure will answer well. For special pur- 

 poses Peruvian Guano. Raw Bone, Superphosphate, Nitrate of Soda. Mur'ate of Potash. 

 Cotton Seed Meal, and other commercial fertilizers ma)- be used with advantage. Our truck 

 farmers have of late used Cow Peas largely as a cheap and very effective fertilizer, with 

 excellent results. One and one-half bushel is the usual quantity sown on an acre of land, 

 and when large enough they are plowed under. In verj' sandy land Cotton Seed Meal 

 ma}' be added to the Cow Peas as an adjuvant, or it may be used alone on quick growing 

 crops such as Melons. Cucumbers or Squashes, etc. On Celer}-. soapsuds or dishwater, if 

 used as a fertilizer, have awonderful effect, audit is astonishing to perceive the difference 

 in size of stalks which were watered every few days with the sues and others on the same 

 ground which were not. Wood ashes either used as a top dressing or worked in the ground 

 before planting are best for Peas, and coarse Salt or Salt brine for Asparagus. A place ex- 

 posed to the East is desirable, but if this cannot be had any other exposure will answer. 

 One or more large trees in the garden or near the fence, not enough to render the place 

 too shady to grow anything in are of advantage, as their shade can be used to sow Celery. 

 Cabbage and Cauliflower during the summer months. The seed beds for this purpose could 

 be arranged so as to receive orly the morning and part of the evening sun and be parth^ 

 shaded during the middle of the da}'. It is of the greatest importance that the ground 

 should be well drained, otherwise it will be impossible to raise good vegetables. The New 

 Orleans gardeners raise as fine vegetables as can be grown. 



:o: 



OAK HAVEN SEED FARM. 



On our Trial Grounds, which are under our direct supervision, we will thoroughly 

 test the different varieties of seeds as to their vitality^ to know if they will germinate and 

 are adapted to our Southern climate, to see if they are prolific, of Fi7ie Quality and True 

 to Name, and will experiment in shipping to the Northern market to know what sorts 

 bring the highest price and stand handling best. Every test is conducted in as practical a 

 manner as possible, and a correct record ofthe result will be kept on file at our office, 

 so we will be able to say intelligently what can be done by properly handling our seeds. 



We carry the larg'est and most complete stock o! Flower, Field and 

 Garden Seeds o! any house in the South. 



