
Locating the Garden 
Any vegetable garden plan must be based on 
your having available a plot of proper size, in 
a sunny, well-drained location possessing a 
loamy soil that is crumbly and easy to work. 
If you do not possess such a plot you may be 
able to arrange for one in a nearby location or 
local community garden. Without these essen- 
Preparation 
With your plot located and measured off, you 
are ready to start the thorough soil preparation 
which is essential to the complete success of 
any growing plant. Improper preparation prob- 
ably causes more garden failures than any other 
factor except, possibly, cultivation. 
Begin by spading to a depth of 8” to 10” with 
a good spading fork or spade. Sink the tool 
straight down (don’t scoop) and use the ledge 
of firm soil behind it to pry against. Take 
modest sized bites—it’s quicker in the end. Lift 

Thoroughly breaks up soil 
Sink tines straight down 
and use ledge of hard 
ground to pry against. 
when turning it over — 
eliminates pounding. 
Page 12 
tials it is better to confine your activities to 
raising suitable flowers, which are easier to 
grow. Do not dig up your lawn to make a 
The soil beneath 
always unsuitable and your Government advises 
vegetable garden. is almost 
strongly against such action. 
of the Soil 
each load of earth up and turn it completely 
over in order to break it up, bury the richer top 
soil and cover completely any manure, compost 
or refuse you are spading in. 
After spading, rake the ground at once and do 
it thoroughly in order to break the top soil into 
smaller particles. Prompt raking prevents for- 
mation of hard, dried lumps. After raking, 
turn the rake over and smooth and level off the 
bed with the flat top edge. Regardless of what 
pattern rake you use, be sure that it is sturdy 

Flat head smooths and 
levels off the bed, ready 
for planting seed. 
Curved teeth are best to 
pulverize soil as they tend 
to dig in. 


