THE HOME VEGETABLE GARDEN 
491 
plan should be broadened so that crops less generally 
grown could be used to enhance the value of the garden. 
694. Location. — In the selection of a location the fol- 
lowing factors should be considered: (1) The home 
garden should be at a convenient distance from the dwell- 
ing, for much of the work will be done at odd times; sup- 
plies must be gathered daily or several times a day; the 
garden, when properly handled, is attractive. For these 
and other reasons, it is desirable to have the garden 
near the house. ( 2 ) A sandy loam is preferred, but any 
soil may be improved so that it will produce good results. 
13) Thorough drainage is essential. (4) A gentle slope 
to the south is preferable to any other slope. (5) There 
should be protection, natural or artificial, from north and 
west winds. A hedge or a grove is ornamental. (6) 
Close proximity to a supply of water is a great ad- 
vantage. Water is often needed at seed sowing, trans- 
planting time or for sprinkling. If possible, every home 
garden should be provided with an above-ground sys- 
tem of watering. See Chapter VIII. (7) The shade of 
trees or buildings should be avoided. 
695. Varieties. — In the selection of varieties, quality 
should have first consideration. Vegetables differ greatly 
in this respect. For example, when one becomes ac- 
customed to Golden Bantam sweet corn there is no de- 
sire for the larger, coarser and more insipid varieties. 
Plant the best for the home table, although it may mean 
a sacrifice in yield. The time required for various varie- 
ties to attain maturity is also worth considering. Again, 
the vigor or size of growth must be known to determine 
proper planting distances. The home gardener derives 
much pleasure in testing the more promising novelties 
from year to year. 
696. The use of glass. — There should be ample equip- 
ment in the way of hotbeds and cold frames. A small 
greenhouse is very useful in starting early plants, and 
