A-B-C OF VEGETABLE GARDENING 



proximity to their gardens were so thrifty 

 without manuring that they felt confident 

 that the soil must be quite rich enough for 

 vegetables without resorting to the use of 

 any fertilizer. These persons lacked the ex- 

 perience which would have enabled them to 

 understand the wide difference between tree 

 and vegetable growth. A tree or a bush 

 sends its roots deeply and widely into the 

 soil, and applies to its uses food that the 

 vegetable cannot send its roots in search of. 

 The roots of most garden plants do not ex- 

 tend far in any direction, nor go very deep; 

 therefore food must be given directly to them 

 if we would secure the best possible result. 

 There are very few gardens in which the 

 natural soil has a sufficient amount of nutri- 

 ment to produce the effect we aim at without 

 the addition of some kind of plant-food. 



A rich soil is absolutely necessary in order 

 to hasten development. Unless a vegetable 

 makes a quick growth it is pretty sure to be 

 lacking in tenderness and flavor. Of course 

 it is possible to apply a greater amount than 

 a plant can make use of, thus forcing an un- 

 healthy growth, but this is not likely to hap- 

 pen if we consult the wise old gardener who 

 knows his garden and the plants he grows in 



it as a mechanic knows the machine he uses, 



12 



