8 
WAR GARDENING 
or weeds, should be turned under, to rot and 
enrich the soil. This is especially important 
with ground that has had a growth of turf. 
Fig. 4 — Wheel hoe and hand cultivator, to be had with 
attachments such as plow, cultivator teeth, shovels 
and rake. A simple form may be made at home. 
SELECTION OF CROPS 
The home garden campaign for 1919 should 
be planned with a view to the production of 
the largest possible amount of food with the 
smallest possible outlay of seed and fertilizer. 
Authorities agree that the seed shortage is the 
worst the country has ever seen. The supply 
of fertilizers and natural manures is far below 
the normal. The demand for these materials 
is exceedingly great and war-time efficiency 
makes it vital that war-time conservation be 
practised in the use of them. To this end 
gardens should be devoted as far as possible 
to those crops which are most useful for food 
and in which the chances of failure are least 
to be feared. 
In the selection of vegetables for the home 
garden preference should be given to the staple 
crops such as potatoes, beans, tomatoes, corn, 
onions, and cabbage. Crops of next im- 
portance, such as peas, carrots, parsnips, 
beets, squash, greens, turnips, cauliflower, 
radishes and celery, should be grown if space 
in the garden permits. 
Fig. 5 — Simple seed test, using plates and moist blotting 
paper or cloth. This is extremely useful. 
Cauliflower, muskmelons, watermelons, 
onions from seed, asparagus and cucumbers 
are some of the plants that are most difficult 
to raise and these are not recommended to 
the amateur gardener. 
Soils vary so much that serious attention 
should be given to the crops suited to the 
individual garden. This is a local question. 
Consult your local war garden committee’s 
experts as to the best crops for your particular 
soil. Expert advice will prevent mistakes. 
In many communities, last year witnessed 
an over-production of some vegetables that 
had to be used during the growing season. 
Many gardeners had larger crops of these 
than they could possibly use. Much waste 
resulted. To prevent this loss in seed, fer- 
tilizer, garden space, labor and foodstuffs 
every gardener should give especial atten- 
tion to the selection of crops. Plant spar- 
ingly of those things which must be used as 
they mature and plant liberally of those things 
which may be saved for winter use by can- 
ning, drying or storing. 
Fig. 6 — Use an envelope for sowing seed. The picture 
shows seed already sown in some of the rows. 
PROCURE SEED EARLY 
Seed shortage was a handicap to many 
gardeners last year. In 1919 the planting of 
gardens will be increased and the demand 
for seed even greater than in 1918. It is 
important, therefore, that the home gardener 
should procure his supply of seed early — 
well in advance of planting time. Be sure to 
patronize a reliable dealer, as quality is vital. 
Use Seed Sparingly 
Home gardeners often plant seed thickly 
to make sure of a good stand. This is a 
wasteful method, excepting with such vege- 
tables as will produce young plants which 
may be used as greens. The better way is 
to plant according to the directions given in 
the planting table. 
The pronounced seed shortage this year 
makes it imperative that no seed be wasted. 
Testing Seed 
A simple test will give useful advance 
information of the germinating value of 
seed. This test is useful as enabling the 
gardener to determine whether or not 
seed have been properly cured and are 
otherwise in good condition. Seed which 
are too old or have been kept under un- 
favorable conditions are unsatisfactory. 
