HOME VEGETABLE GARDENING 
DRAINAGE 
T HIS most important phase of garden preparation is 
all too often disregarded to the detriment of satis- 
factory results. In order to thrive, a garden must have 
proper drainage. Proper drainage keeps the soil in “fit” 
condition to bear the biggest crops which its fertility en- 
ables it to yield. 
Drainage means proper carrying off of surplus moisture. 
In loose, sandy soils, too much drainage must often be 
stopped, as far as possible, by the liberal use of coarse 
manure. Stiff, heavy clay soils should be mixed with 
cinders or underlaid with drain tile to allow surplus 
moisture quickly to seep through. 
Correct drainage makes cold, heavy clay soil warmer 
and puts all soils in better physical condition to bear the 
desired crops. Where poor drainage and a lack of facilities 
to create it threaten to handicap the gardener, a liberal use 
of lime will frequently correct evils due to lack of drainage. 
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