Historic, archived document Do not assume content reflects current scientific knowledge, policies, or practices. q A. i - i ® ee) | as ok red pect enna roa, ore Pe ee een ae ea : 4 ‘ a FS Pama te AM them tte Lie eRe errr “(lee cst Seeds are Made, Not Soru Let any vegetable or flower go wild for a few years; let it fight for existence and drop seeds to preserve its species, then see what happens. Without human hands to select and save only the useful offspring, such desirable features as good flavor, color, and shape would soon disappear. In their place would come the awkward plant shapes, fibrous leaves and roots, and extreme variation in size that char- acterized the plant’s primitive ancestors. But, put the same vegetable or flower in the hands of an experienced seed breeder, and watch what happens. He will not only pre- serve its original appearance and performance but will, in all probability, improve them sig- nificantly! That, in a nutshell, is what is being accom- plished at Ferry-Morse year-round, except that nearly 1,200 varieties, not just one, are involved. Our Seed Breeders’ first responsi- bility is to keep the quality of our varieties at a high level and to improve it when possible. Secondly, Breeders must be sensitive to the changing needs of home gardeners, market gardeners, canners, and shippers so that new varieties will be ready when called for. Trial grounds, where a sample of the harvest from each seed field is planted, are a very nec- essary part of our quality control work. Here our Seed Breeders can compare the actual field performance of new selections and hybrids with that of standard varieties, and with our competitors’ varieties. In an average year over 31,000 trial rows and breeding -cultures are planted, grown and closely noted. Our four trial grounds and seed breeding stations—in California, Florida, Idaho, and Michigan— have an excellent reputation that yearly draws many applications from students in agricul- tural colleges and from foreign countries who wish to learn by assisting our seed breeders. Other Ferry-Morse specialists handle the work of supervising the thousands of acres of seed fields that are planted with seeds selected from choice parent plants. Several times dur- ing the growing season these fields are in- spected and undesirable (off-type) plants are removed. Since many different soil and cli- matic conditions are needed for the best growth of seed crops, our seed growing oper- ations are conducted in eighteen states. After seed crops are harvested and carefully cleaned to remove weed seeds and chaff, the product of each seed field is given a lot number which it retains until it is planted. Thus, we keep such close control of our thousands of lots of seeds that when shown a packet of Ferry’s Seeds we can immediately trace where the seeds were grown, their germination, and their field performance rating. We help you become, and remain, a good gardener by putting only strong-growing, true to type seeds in packets of Ferry’s Seeds. Every packet is stamped with the year in which its use is intended. Two laboratories operated by skilled technicians are required to conduct the more than 30,000 germination tests completed in an average year. Only seeds that meet or better strict Federal stand- ards for germination are put into packets of Ferry’s Seeds. By selecting your seeds for this year’s gar- den from the familiar Ferry’s Seeds display, you can plant in confidence that they are the best seeds money can buy. It is easy for you to find a display of Ferry’s Seeds in your favorite shopping district. They are every- where; in department, food, variety, hardware and general stores, supermarkets, nurseries, and some florist shops and drug stores. Table of C, ontents Your First Steps to Garden Success Beauty in the Flower Garden How to Plant ... Flowers Flowers Grouped for Special Uses How to Plant... Vegetables How to Start Tomato Plants in Pots Indoors Appetizing Ways to Prepare Vegetables ... Fresh From Your Garden Quick Reference List of Vitamins in Vegetables Fresh From Your Garden.. 16 Become A Better Gardener. . Over a million eager gardeners all over America add to their gardening know-how each week by tuning in “The Garden Gate’’ popular CBS radio program featuring The Old Dirt Dobber. With a world of plant knowledge at his fingertips, the Dirt Dobber is well equipped to answer the wide range of garden questions sent in by listeners. This ‘‘Good Gardening”’ listening is well rounded out ..-- On Your Local CBS Station For Junior Gardeners—A Vegetable and Flower Garden Plan Chart—Average Hard Frost Dates Chart—When to Plant Your Vegetables. 18 Chart—When to Plant Your Flowers... 19 Cuthbertson Floribunda Sweet Peas— Chart— Planting Chart for Vegetables . . Flower Seeds— Varietal Uses and Descriptions Herbs—Lawn Grass Vegetable Seeds— Varietal Uses and Descriptions . Listen to “The Garden Gate” by a Green Thumb award to an outstanding home gardener, reading of original poems written and submitted by listeners and pleasant musical inter- ludes on the organ. During the months of Ferry-Morse sponsorship, “The Garden Gate’ can be heard over the entire CBS network. For time and station, consult the radio page of your local paper. “Free... Helpful Garden Folders SEND TO: FERRY-MORSE SEED CO. * DETROIT, MICH. OR MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIF. Flower-Gardens—Old Fashioned and New How Do Your Onions Grow? Grow Lettuce Successfully You, Too, Can Grow Fine Tomatoes Rock Garden Plants from Seed It’s Best to Grow Perennials from Seed Sweet Peas and How to Grow Them Let’s Have a Beautiful Lawn Tastier Meals with Herbs Fresh from Your Garden Quick-Growing Vines for Beauty and Use How to Store Vegetables for Winter 21 Ways to Enjoy the Vegetables You Grow Make the Most of Your Vegetable Garden Grow Better Vegetables for Quick Freezing The Secret of a Beautiful Lawn (for Pacific Coast) For Your Garden Club or Civic Group: Movies With Full Color and Sound! At no cost to you except return shipping charges, Ferry-Morse offers its movies ‘‘Background for Beauty’’, and “‘Better Gardens for Better Living’’. For details write to Ferry-Morse Seed Co., Detroit, Michigan, or Mountain View, Calif. You Fizst Steyas to garden success In preparing the soil, drive the spade or spading fork straight down full length with your foot. * Preparing the soil A rich sandy loam is well adapted to gardening. Other kinds of soil are suitable, but stiff clays need plenty of fibrous material and must be thoroughly broken up. Sandy soils generally need additional fertilizing. For general use, where well-rotted stable manure is not available, a commercial fertilizer containing 4 per cent nitrates, 12 per cent phosphate, and 4 to 6 per cent potash is usually best. Apply at the rate of about 4 pounds to the square rod (16% ft. x 16% ft.). Work the soil deeply and make the top 3 or 4inches as fine and loose as possible. Much weed killing can be done by hoeing or raking just before planting. Do not work clay soils when they are wet enough to stick to rake or hoe. * Planting At time of planting seed in the open ground, the soil should be moist but never wet. To retain mois- ture after planting, cover seed immediately with fine, freshly prepared earth and press it down firmly and smoothly. This firming of the soil brings the parti- cles of earth into close contact with seeds, prevents drying out, and facilitates growth. Plant at a time when the atmospheric and soil temperatures are most favorable for germination of the kind of seed to be sown. The best temperature for each kind may be learned from study of the cul- tural directions and zonal charts found in this Guide. The proper depth for covering seed varies with the different kinds of seeds and conditions of soil. This can be learned best through practical experience. When planting seed, the soil must be loose and soft so that the tender stems of seedlings can easily push through, and the young roots quickly find plant food. This is usually secured by careful preparation of the soil and by not planting fine seeds when the ground is wet. xs “S57 - Use the back of the rake to help break up clods; use the tooth-side to make the soil fine and smooth. * Starting plants indoors Seedling plants may be grown successfully in spring | in shallow boxes of soil placed in south or east win- | dows. The preparation of the seed box is simple but it needs care. Whether it is a cigar box or larger “flat,’’ holes should be bored in the bottom—about six inches apart in larger boxes and about three inches apart in one of cigar box size. Over the bot- tom of the box spread pieces of broken flower pots or crockery, or small pebbles, then coarser soil, and last of all finely sifted garden soil, or a mixture of build- ers’ sand and fine soil. Firm the soil and sow the seed thinly in rows. The general rule for depth of planting is about four times) the diameter of the seed. Thin sowing is economy. | The tiny plants crowd each other when planted toc thickly. neieeneee ee eae Your Garden Sueces4s will depend on thorough cultivation and care Cover the seed box with a damp cloth or paper and place a pane of glass over.the top until germi- nation starts. Remove the paper or cloth as soon as the first sprouts break through the soil. Wipe off the glass when water collects on it from evaporation. This will prevent moisture from dripping on the little plants and perhaps causing ‘“‘damping off.”’ During the day prop up one edge of the glass cov- ering for ventilation. Remove glass when plants are established. Keep the seed box uniformly moist but not wet or water-logged. When seedlings are two or three inches high, soon- er if possible, they are ready to be transplanted, either to individual pots or out-of-doors. Fill a shallow box or flat with fine soil or builders’ sand and soil. Make shallow depressions with a straight-edged flat stick. Scatter the seed from the packet ... not too thickly. Cover with soil and tamp down with the flat of the hand or a smooth board. | * Transplanting Proper methods in setting the young plants out- doors are just as important as good care while get- ting them started indoors. 1. [tis a good plan to harden the young plants to outdoor conditions by setting the boxes outside in good weather (not in the direct sun) for several days before transplanting. 2. Either choose a day that is cool and cloudy, or do the transplanting in the afternoon. 3. Water the plants well before disturbing them. 4. Avoid injury to the roots in taking up the plants, and if possible keep a ball of earth around them. 5. Water the soil before and after setting the plants. If the soil is very dry, partly fill each hole with water before setting the plants. 6. Firm the soil around the roots of the plants so that they can take hold securely. 7. The plants will get a quicker and better start When seedlings are large.enough to set out in the open ground, dig a hole wide enough and deep enough to receive the roots of the plant without crowding. Fill the hole about half full of water before setting the plant. Firm the soil around the roots. if they are shaded from the direct rays of the sun for a few days after transplanting. * Cultivating Stirring the surface soil of the open ground during the period of growth kills weeds, allows air to enter and helps to conserve moisture. Cultivation may be deep at first, but as the plants grow it should be more shallow to avoid injury to the roots. * Watering When plants need artificial watering, the best hours of the day for it are early morning or evening. The roots, however, may be watered at any time. One good soaking is better than many light sprinklings. * Keeping the garden healthy 1. Spray and dust with reliable insecticides before there is the least suspicion that insect pests may be at hand. Do not give them a chance to get a foot- hold. “An ounce of prevention...’’ isa safe maxim to follow. 2. In fall, remove and burn all rubbish in the gar- den. Many insect eggs may thus be destroyed that would otherwise be harbored over winter. 3. If you have had unsatisfactory results because of certain plant diseases, try some of the new strains of flowers and vegetabies that are resistant to dis- ease. You will find many disease-resistant strains listed in this Guide. Your tlower garden should reflect... ... Your own sense of beauty! One of the greatest joys of gardening is to view your own home surroundings, shimmering in breath-tak- ing color and harmonious design . . . especially so if it is your own origination, a thing of beauty created by yourself. Its accomplishment may seem like magic! Yet, it is merely the result of a correct ap- proach, the result of joining hands with mother na- ture, applying a bit of forethought and planning and adhering to a few simple rules of plant culture and design. To start correctly, draw a plan of your garden on ruled paper. Draw to an appropriate scale so that you may visualize the effects you want to create. Your objective is to achieve exciting new color combinations, new groupings of varieties that will extend your blooming period from early spring until late fall, different plant heights and types of foliage combinations for still additional in- teresting effects. When you purchase a Ferry’s Seeds flower variety, you will find data listed on the packet pertaining to its height, its length of blooming sea- son and its effective use in the garden. Also, an illustration, reproducing as nearly as practicable plants in their true colors and other natural fea- tures, is on the front of each packet of Ferry’s Seeds. Additional information pertaining to all the flower varieties we list can also be found in this Guide. This information should prove very helpful. You should be able to use your garden plan year after year. By growing a large percentage of an- nuals, you will be able to incorporate different ideas in your garden each new season. Thus, your garden will be flexible in that each year, it will display re- freshing new scenes of beauty. Be constantly on the alert for new color schemes and designs. They will occur to you as you walk through your own garden, as you browse through the pages of magazines, or when you visit a neighbor’s garden. Have a book handy in which to jot down new ideas. Remember, too, when planning the placement of plants, it’s not merely where they will look best, but where they will grow best. The amount of shade or sun, the kind of soil and type of drainage are factors which will greatly determine just how successful a plant will be in a given location. And... lastly, for plants bountiful with dancing blooms, cut the flowers before they mature too far. To mature blooms and produce seed, a plant expends many times the energy needed to produce one bloom. Thus, when you cut flowers before they mature, you are helping the plant store up energy which will be used to produce more blooms, each bigger, better and more colorful. Possibly this is the reason why people who are so liberal with the flowers they grow, seem to have the best gardens. ae en ven ee Pere Pee PT CRE tert oR Oger POW aL PLANT... FLOWERS YOUR GUIDE TO BETTER GARDENING AFRICAN DAISY. Annual that does well either direct sown or transplanted. Blooms freely if grown under near arid conditions. This isa “‘sleeper.’’ Flowers close up when cut and they do not re-open. Plants short and spreading. Good for borders or rock gardens. White, buff and orange shades. ALYSSUM. After danger of frost is past, sow seed direct where plants are to stand. Alvssum is very hardy and may be transplanted to other parts of the gar- den when plants are ready to thin. Cover seed with \y inch of fine soil. When plants are about 2 inches tall, thin to 8 inches apart. Does well in ordinary garden soil and prefers full sunshine. Does not require much watering. Alyssum is extremely fragrant and a very easily grown annual. Among the best for edgings. White (Carpet of Snow) and Violet offer a good con- trast. Dwarf ageratum also goes well as alternate plants with the white. ASTER. Can be started indoors in boxes or flats, out- doors in cold frames or direct in the garden where plants are to stand. Indoors—cover seeds with 1 inch of fine soil. Keep soil moist until seedlings appear and thereafter, water only when dry. Transplant to the open garden in late afternoon when ground becomes warm. Outdoors—sow seed after danger of frost is past, where plants are to stand. Or, they can be started a month earlier in cold frames for later setting in flower beds. Thin out plants to stand 10 to 18 inches apart. Needs fairly rich soil, moderate amount of watering and stands only partial shade. Some aster diseases are Morning Glory, Pearly Gates ... For an effective color combination, try this Ferry-Morse All-America Winner with Morning Glory Heavenly Blue. Brighten up your front yard with colorful flower borders. insect transferred. Careful control of thrips, leaf hop- pers and aphis is necessary. Nicotine and D.D.T. sprays are recommended, though Parathion is effective against all the insects that are harmful to this plant. To con- trol aster wilt the beds should be rotated yearly. Mal- formed and discolored plants should be pulled and burned or else covered in the compost pile. Asters are widely grown for cut flowers and are effective most any place in the garden. A wide color range includes: white, pink, rose, lavender, purple, and many others. BACHELOR BUTTON. Sow outdoors as soon as danger of hard frost is over. Can be planted in spot that is exposed to full sun or in semi-shade. Cover seed lg inch deep in fine soil. When 4 inches high, thin to 10 to 12 inches. Water occasionally by flowing hose. Too rich soil and too frequent watering will cause rank growth and late or sparse blooming. Dainty flowers are excellent for cutting or use in informal beds. Colors in- clude rose, white, deep blue and bright crimson. CALENDULA. Can be seeded directly in the garden in spring for blooming all summer. However, is at its best if planted in midsummer so that plants will be in full bloom during the cool months. Sow seed 14 inch deep in rich heavy soil. Responds well to considerable water and cool weather. Will stand partial shade. Main insect pests are cabbage worms and aphis. Stands up well when cut. Effective when used to achieve a mass color effect in beds. Good for medium high border (10 to 24 in.). Also grown for cut flowers and use in bou- quets. Very pleasing orange and yellow shades. Guide to Better Gardening — Flowers CALIFORNIA POPPY. Sow seed, early in spring, directly in the garden where plants are to stand. They do best if planted in a light, sandy loam. Cover seed to about 14 inch deep. Thin to 6 inches apart when plants are 2 inches tall. Rows should be 1 ft. apart. Full sun and lack of water make plants bloom most freely. Good for borders or edgings. Mostly yellow tones. CANDYTUFT. Select a spot where there is full sun and plant after all danger of frost is past. Cover seed with 14 to inch of fine soil. Thin to 1 ft. apart when plants are 2 inches tall. Good bedder, edger and fair for cutting. Main insect pest is cucumber beetle which can be controlled with stomach poison such as arsenate of lead. Colors are white, rose-red, lilac and purple. CANTERBURY BELL. Biennial, blooms second year only. Can be planted up until mid-summer in sheltered spot and then transplanted in late summer to final loca- tion. Seed can be scattered on surface and raked in. Choice for cutting. Colors are white, pink, light-blue and deep violet. CARNATION. Requires long season to reach full bloom. Start indoors in boxes, early in spring. Does best in rich soil and stands considerable watering. Plant seed to a depth of about lg inch. Transplant out- doors when danger of a frost is’ past. Set seedlings about 1 ft. apart in sunny location. Will stand some frost. Good for either bedding or for cutting garden. Colors include red, rose, salmon, yellow, white. Delphiniums are widely grown for cut flowers. In bou- guets, they add grace and charm to the indoor scene. | 2 Ba : Cosmos 1s one of the best Annuals for backgrounds and ts very useful for cutting. COLUMBINE. Blooms from second year on. Start seed in spring or summer. Give plants some protection for first winter. Will stand some shade and cool soil. Flowers very graceful for cutting and plants are very neat for border. Cut flower stems off at top of plants after blooming is over and plants will remain compact and attractive. Mostly pastel shades. May require some arsenate dust for control of caterpillars, and D.D.T. for leaf-miners. COSMOS. Does best if sown after danger of frost where plants are to stand. Plant seed approximately 14 inch deep. Thin to 14 inches apart. Early blooms can be had by avoiding frequent watering—late blooms by frequent watering. Will bloom most profusely if soil is not overly rich. Cosmos is one of the best annuals for backgrounds and is very useful in the cutting gar- den. Has few insect enemies. Diseases seldom occur. A favorite of the gold finch or wild canary after seeds start to ripen. Colors include delightful shades of golden or ‘‘butter yellow,”’ golden orange, bright crimson, rose, pink and white. DELPHINIUM. Plant early as delphinium germinates best when soil temperature is quite low. Cover with 1g inch of fine soil. Needs good drainage. Thin seed- lings to 18 inches apart in the row. If flower spikes are tall, it will need support. Prefers cool climate and full sun. Will bloom some in first summer but second and third seasons are best. Mildew is worst enemy. Effec- tive for a tall background in the garden. Widely grown for cut flowers. Colors are white, blue, lavender, mauve. 1} HOLLYHOCK. Does best if used as a biennial. Sow } seed in late spring or summer in well prepared soil. Plant seed to a depth of about 14 inch. Cover (mulch) with a thin layer of straw over winter. Should bloom early the second summer. Provide support if plants are exposed to strong winds. Suffers from rust. Main in- sect pest is red spider. Control by using light applica- of tall borders. Color range complete except for blue. Fully double flower types are most compact. LARKSPUR. One of the hardy annuals that can be planted in the late fall or very early in the spring. Either broadcast seed and rake it in or else plant to depth of \ inch in fairly rich heavy soil. Plants can stand quite close together (3 to 4 inches) or can be spaced out to 10 to 12 inches. Prefers cool weather and plenty of moisture. Good for cutting and for tall bor- ders or medium backgrounds. Wide range of colors. ‘MARIGOLD. This does well under conditions which are favorable for zinnias and it should be handled the same way. Marigolds can be roughly divided into 3 groups; the African varieties, growing two feet or more ‘in height, the small-flowered dwarf French kind, and the tall, small-flowered French type. Grown for cut flowers and used effectively in high edgings or borders (2 to 3 ft.) and dwarf edgings (8 to 14 in.). Color range is mostly in yellows, orange and red. Dress up the sidewalks, driveways and other approaches to your home with colorful, free-blooming flower borders. tions of sulphur dust. Useful for background or at back Guide to Better Gardening — Flowers Petunias are one of the easiest of all flowers to grow. They will add color to your garden until frost. MORNING GLORY. After danger of frost is past, sow seed in | inch of fine soil along a fence or by a trellis. Plants should stand about 3 or 4 inches apart to make a solid mat of growth for cover. Rich soil and some watering will contribute to faster and taller growth. Reducing the amount of water will induce greater freedom of bloom. To makea shorter and heav- ier mat of growth, cut off growing tips of vines at a height of 3 or 4 ft. and allow side shoots or laterals to grow. One of the most popular vines. NASTURTIUM. Plant seed directly outdoors after soil becomes warm. Lush growth occurs if soil is too rich or watering too heavy. Blooms most profusely if grown in rather poor soil and kept quite dry. Plant seed 14 inch deep and press soil down. Make rows 2 ft. apart for dwarf, 41% ft. for trailing type. Thin plants to 8 inches apart when 2 inches tall. Black aphis is the most common pest on nasturtiums and it can be best controlled by applications of nicotine sprays or else the newer Parathion. Fragrant. Good for cut flowers, bou- quets, mass color effects in the garden or for trailing. PANSY. Can be planted directly outdoors in the gar- den or indoors for transplanting to the garden later. If indoors, sow in cold frames during the winter or early spring. Cover seed ¥¢ inch deep in fine soil. Thin out seedlings when about 1 inch tall to 3 inches apart. Transplant to the outside garden in fairly warm spring weather and place plants about 6 inches apart. If seeded Guide to Better Gardening — Flowers For borders or window boxes try combinations of A geratum, Dwarf Marigold, Nasturtium, Petunias, and Verbena. directly in the garden in July or August and given some protective mulch over winter, pansies will give a pro- fusion of bloom from early spring through midsummer. Planted direct in early spring, pansies will bloom freely from midsummer until freezing temperatures. Best in rich, cool soil and needs plenty of moisture. Can stand partial shade. Wide range of intense shades and two- tones. Excellent for use as cut flowers in bouquets, for low edgings or in window or porch boxes. PETUNIA. One of the easiest of all flowers to grow. Early in the spring, plant in a shallow box and place near a south window. Petunia seeds, and other fine seed, should be mixed with sand before sowing. Then cover very lightly with fine soil. When danger of frost is past, move box outdoors in the shade for 2 or 3 days. Then transplant to permanent place in the garden. Set 24 inches apart in garden bed, 12 inches apart in win- dow box. Needs full sunshine. Should not be watered too frequently. One of the most free blooming of flowers and continues until frost. Fragrant. Excellent for cut flowers, bouquets, neat edgings or borders (1 to 3 ft.). One of the best for window or porch boxes. PINKS (Dianthus). Can be started in cold frames and transplanted or seeded direct anytime in late spring or summer as plants grow very quickly. Produces its best blooms in early fall weather. Sow )% inch deep in fine soil. Thin to 10 inches apart. Fragrant and quite showy but not especially useful for cutting. Used to achieve mass color effects—in beddings, good for me- dium height (10 to 24 inches) borders and in rock gar- dens. Color range includes: shades of pink, white, red and maroon. POPPY. Can be seeded direct as early in the spring as ground can be worked or in the late fall. Broadcast the seed and plan to allow plants to stand where they start as poppies do not stand transplanting well. It is best to mix seed with sand before planting to avoid sowing too thickly. Thin plants to 10 inches apart when 3 inches tall. Poor or sandy soil and little or no extra watering produces best profusion of bloom. Can be cut in the bud but full open flowers usually shatter when cut. Color range includes white, shades of pink and red. PORTULACA. Seeds should be planted in late fall or early spring. Sow by broadcasting or in very shallow rows (no deeper than Y¢ inch). Space rows about 14 inches apart. Thin to 9 inches apart in the row. Water- ing is not necessary. Stands hot weather and drought. Needs full sun. Good for solid beds or as an edging plant. Average height is 6 inches. Not good for cutting but is extremely floriferous and showy. High percentage of double and semi-double flowers in delightfully gay shades of red, rose, orange, and yellow. SNAPDRAGON. One of the best flowers for all-around use. The long sturdy spikes are excellent for cutting; when planted close they are good for bedding. Because of its wide range of colors and long blooming season, it is used very effectively in the annual border. Can be planted early in cold frames indoors and set out after danger of freezing is past. Or, it can be sown when soil warms sufficiently, directly in the garden where plants are to remain. Should not be watered on the foliage, but does require considerable soaking. Does best in rich soil. Snapdragons are a favorite of cut worms and if this insect is present in your garden, you should guard against them by using some cut worm bait at time of setting plants in the garden. SWEET PEA. (Send for free Ferry-Morse folder — Sweet Peas & How to Grow Them.) For winter bloom in California and the deep South, sow seed in the fall. In the rest of the country, sow seed as early in the spring as the ground can be worked. Whenever possible, select a location where the Sweet Peas will get morning and forenoon sun, and very little in the afternoon. The rows should not be too close to a building nor shaded by overhanging trees. Ina proper location the flowering season will be longer and the stems more satisfactory. Sweet Peas should be planted in soil that is fine, firm, level and moist. Sow seeds about 1 inch apart and 1 to 11% inches deep. When sweet pea plants are about three inches high, twigs should be set around them to which the young tendrils may cling. The growth of the plants will be checked if allowed to be blown around by the wind. When the plants are about six inches tall, permanent support should be given with coarse netting, broad tree boughs with plenty of twigs or by driving in stout stakes and stretching strong strings between them as the plants require support. Flowers should not be allowed to wither on the vines but should continually be cut off. This will greatly prolong the blooming sea- son. A thorough soaking once a week, and later twice a week is much better than a little sprinkle every day. The delicate, beautifully waved flowers are always in great demand for bouquets. One of the most beautiful vine plants. ZINNIA. One of the easiest to grow annuals. Sow seed in a sunny location where plants are to stand. Cover seed with 4 inch of rich soil. Will do best if started after soil warms and will surpass plants started in cold soil. Likes considerable water but do not sprinkle the foliage. Plant in open, sunny place to prevent mildew. Taller plants with longer stems can be grown by spacing plants 3 to 5 inches apart. If spaced at 18 inches or more, the plants tend to remain shorter and have more branches but shorter stems. The first, or crown flower, will be the largest. If this is cut out early, it will force the blooms on side branches to be- come larger. Zinnias come in an extensive range of striking colors and types. The Giant types (2% ft.) come in all shades of pink, scarlet, yellow and violet. The Lilliputs or dwarf types (12 to 15 inches) come in pleasing shades of yellow, crimson, orange, purple, scar- let, white and mixed. Widely used for cut flowers, in bouquets. The Giant types are effective when used for high edgings or borders (2 to 3 ft.). Flowers grouped for special uses Easiest to Grow Under Ordinary Garden Conditions Alyssum, Sweet Bachelor Button Bells of Ireland Calendula California Poppy Calliopsis Candytuft, Annual Celosia Chrysanthemum, Annual Cosmos Four o’clock Marigold Nasturtium Poppy, Annual Portulaca Snow-on-the-moun- tain Sunflower, Ornamen- tal . Zinnia For Fragrance Abronia _ Alyssum, Sweet Bells of Ireland Carnation Centaurea imperialis Heliotrope Lavender Lilium regale Matthiola Mignonette Nicotiana - Petunia Stock Sweet Pea | Sweet William Verbena For Edgings Ageratum Alyssum Creeping Zinnia English Daisy Geranium Heuchera (Coral Bells) Iberis Linaria Lobelia Marigold, Dwarf Nemesia Pansy Petunia, Dwarf Portulaca Snapdragon, Dwarf Verbena Viola For Backgrounds Amaranthus Cleome Cosmos Delphinium Hollyhock Larkspur, Super Majestic Poppy, Orientale Hardy Red Sunflower, Ornamental Tithonia For Winter Bou- quets Bells of Ireland Chinese Lantern Cockscomb Gypsophila paniculata Straw flower (Helichrysum) Lunaria Statice Tritoma For Semi-Shade Anchusa italica Balsam Centaurea im- perialis. Clarkia Coleus Columbine English Daisy Forget-me-not Geum Godetia Linaria Lupin Mignonette Nasturtium Nicotiana Pansy Platycodon Sweet William Vinca Viola For Window and Porch Boxes Ageratum Bachelor Button, Jubilee Gem Candytuft Coleus Geranium Lantana Lobelia Marigold, Dwarf Mignonette Nasturtium, Dwarf Nierembergia Pansy Petunia Phlox drummondi Thunbergia Verbena Vinca For Rock Gardens, Annuals Abronia Ageratum African Daisy Alyssum, Sweet Brachycome Ice Plant Linaria Lobelia Nemesia Nierembergia Phlox drummondi Pinks Portulaca Schizanthus Thunbergia Scarlet Flax Statice Verbena Virginian Stock For Rock Gardens, Perennials Alyssum, Hardy Arabis Armeria Asclepias tuberosa Aubrietia Campanula carpatica Cerastium tomentosum Cheiranthus (biennial) Columbine Dianthus deltoides Dianthus plumarius English Daisy Forget-me-not Heuchera (Coral Bells) Iberis Iceland Poppy Linum Platycodon Primula, Hardy Viola Vines for Screening and Ornament Australian Pea Vine Cardinal Climber Cobaea scandens Cypress Vine Gourd Kudzu Vine Momordica Moon Flower Morning Glory Perennial Sweet Pea Scarlet Runner Bean Sweet Pea Thunbergia 9 For Withstanding Drought Abronia Achillea African Daisy Ageratum Alyssum, Carpet of Snow Arctotis Armeria Asclepias tuberosa Brachycome Calliopsis Campanula pyramidalis Candytuft Chinese Forget-me- not Cleome Coreopsis Cosmos Four o’clock Hollyhock Ice Plant Joseph’s Coat Kudzu Vine Lavender Petunia Portulaca Snow-on-the- mountain Statice Sunflower, Ornamental Tithonia Verbena Vinca For Cut Flowers Aster Bachelor Button Bells of Ireland Calendula Calliopsis Carnation Celosia Chrysanthemum Clarkia Coreopsis Cosmos Delphinium Gaillardia Gy psophila Larkspur Marigold Nasturtium Painted Daisy Pinks Salpiglossis Scabiosa Shasta Daisy Snapdragon Stocks Stokesia Sweet Pea Sweet William Tithonia Tritoma Zinnia For Early Bloom Alyssum, Hardy Arabis Aubrietia Campanula carpatica Cerastium Columbine Coreopsis Delphinium English Daisy Foxglove Gaillardia grandiflora Painted Daisy Pansy Primula veris Sweet William Viola For Midsummer Bloom Achillea African Daisy (Dimorphotheca) Ageratum Brachycome California Poppy Calliopsis Cleome Coreopsis Gaillardia picta Hollyhock Larkspur Lobelia Nasturtium Perennial Sweet Pea Petunia Phlox drummondi Poppy Scabiosa Shasta Daisy Verbena Vinca Viola Zinnia For Late Bloom Alyssum, Sweet Aster Bachelor Button Calendula Celosia Coreopsis Cosmos Dahlia Gaillardia Hunnemannia Marigold Pansy Salvia Snapdragon Vinca Viola Zinnia ee eee ee ee ee eee HOW TO PLANT .... Vegetables YOUR GUIDE TO BETTER GARDENING A trough-like furrow made with a square-sided stick 1s good for keeping small seeds in place. After planting, press the soil down firmly with the flat of the hoe to bring the seeds into contact with the soil moisture and hasten germination. 10 ARTICHOKE (True Artichoke, not Jerusalem Arti- choke). Sow seed in March or April, giving young plants protection until danger of frost is past. In transplanting, set in rows about four feet apart and about two feet apart in the row. In mild climates plants produce a crop of buds the second year. Where ae are severe, protect the crown with a heavy mulch. ASPARAGUS. Soak the seed 24 hours before plant- ing. Sow in rows about 18 inches apart, and 15 to 20 seeds to the foot. Cover two inches deep. Thin the young plants to about one inch apart. Hoe frequently. Set plants in permanent beds the following spring. BUSH BEANS. Plant when all danger of frost is past. With the corner of the hoe, make rows about 18 inches apart and an inch and a half to two inches deep across the space you are going to plant. Drop the beans along the row about three or four inches apart. Cover with fine soil and press down firmly with the hoe. When the plants come up, thin them so that they stand about six inches apart. POLE BEANS. Plant at about the same time as bush beans. Get poles four to eight feet long. Drive them into the ground in rows that are about three feet apart. Set the poles three feet apart in the row. Have the rows run north and south. Around each stake, plant five to eight beans about an inch and a half or two inches deep. Press the soil down firmly. When the plants come up, thin out all except the four strongest plants at the base of each pole. Train these to climb in one direction around the poles. Hoe around the plants often to keep the soil loosened. BEETS. Plant beets about the same time as radishes and lettuce. Have the soil fine and loose. Make rows one-half to one inch deep and about 18 inches apart. Sow the seeds about an inch apart in the row. Cover with soil, and press it down firmly. Keep the weeds out when the plants come up. As soon as the tops are five to eight inches tall, pull out some of them and cook them for greens. Keep thinning and using the young plants until the beet roots stand about four inches apart in the row. BRUSSELS SPROUTS. This vegetable can be grown wherever conditions are favorable for late cabbage. It requires the same culture, but special care needs to be taken to prevent aphis infestation. CABBAGE. Set out both early and late cabbage as soon as there is no danger of frost. Have the rows two to three feet apart. Set the plants one to two feet apart in the row, depending upon variety. CARROTS. Sow carrot seed as early as radishes and lettuce. Make the rows in the same way as for beets. Sow the seed thinly, letting it drop a little at a time from the corner of the packet. Cover the seed with one-fourth to one-half inch of soil and press it down firmly. When the plants are about two inches tall, thin them so that they will not crowd each other. Keep out the weeds. Hoe around the plants often to keep the soil loosened. CAULIFLOWER. The same methods that produce good cabbage will produce good cauliflower. The only difference is that cauliflower heads must be protected Guide to better gardening. . . vegetables from sunlight to make sure of the desirable white curd. Gather the tops of the leaves together loosely as soon as the heads begin to form. In shutting off the light, do not cramp the heads. THINNING CA RROTS—When the young plants are a few inches tall, thin them to stand one to three inches apart. CELERIAC. Sow seed at the same season and give the same treatment as celery. Transplant to moist, rich soil in rows two feet apart and six inches apart in the row. Give thorough culture. It is not necessary to earth up or “handle” the plants. When the roots are two inches in diameter, they are ready for use. CELERY. Celery seed will sprout at comparatively low temperatures, but it needs constant and abundant moisture. The soil for starting plants should be fine and loose, and the seed must be covered only 14 inch deep. It takes about two weeks for seed to sprout. For fall and winter use in the North seed may be planted from March 15 to May 15. When seedlings have three or four leaves well started, prick out about three inches apart each way. Keep the soil moist and transplant to open ground when plants are 75 to 90 days old. These carrots stand at about the right distance apart to allow each root to grow to full size without crowding. CHINESE CABBAGE. This vegetable is easily raised as a succession crop. The plants can be set out in the rows which have been occupied by earlier vegetables. Do not:plant too early. COLLARDS. Sow the seed thickly in rows in rich ground, transplanting when about four inches in height; or sow where the plants are to remain and when well- started thin to two or three feet apart in the row. CORN. Plant when all danger of frost is past, and the ground is warm and dry. If planted in cold, wet soil, the kernels will rot. To plant in so-called “‘hills,’’ make a shallow hole in the soil with the corner of the hoe and drop in six kernels. Cover with about two inches of fine soil and press down firmly. Have the “‘hills’’ about four feet apart and in rows about two and one-half feet apart. When the plants are six inches high, thin out all except three or four of the strongest in each hill. To plant in rows like beans or peas, make a shallow trench with the hoe, drop in the kernels three to four inches apart, and cover about two inches deep. When plants are well up, thin to six or eight inches apart. CUCUMBER. Delay planting until all danger of frost is past. Soil should be warm, fairly moist, and loose. Seed must be covered about one inch deep. Plant in “‘hills,’’? (see Corn), dropping eight or ten seeds to the hill. When six inches tall, thin, leaving three or four strong plants to a hill. EGG PLANT. This semi-tropical fruit can be grown very successfully in the northern states if the plants are started indoors in flats or in a hotbed, and are not trans- planted to open ground until soil is warm and all dan- ger of frost is past. Shade young plants from hot sun and spray with paris green or arsenate of lead to pro- tect from potato bugs. ENDIVE. For early use sow seed in spring; for later supply sow in June or July. When well started, thin -the plants eight inches to one foot apart in the row. When nearly grown, tie the outer leaves together over the center to blanch the heart of the plant. Two or three successive plantings during July will provide en- dive for winter use. Just before killing frosts in fall, dig the plants, being careful to take plenty of soil with the roots and to avoid injury to the leaves. Pack closely to- gether and store in dark cellar. KALE OR BORECOLE. Sow the seed one-fourth to one-half inch deep in rows two or three feet apart. When the plants come up, thin them so that they are from eight to twelve inches apart in the row. KOHL RABI. As early in spring as possible, sow the seed in rows in light, rich soil. When plants are well established, thin three to six inches apart in the row. Plant at intervals of ten days for a succession of bulbs until hot weather, after which they fail to grow. LEEK. Sow in rows early in spring, covering one-half inch deep. Thin the plants two to four inches apart in the row and draw the earth about them when culti- vating. If you desire very white and tender leeks, transplant when about six inches tall, set four inches apart in trenches about two feet apart, and gradually earth up like celery. Guide to better gardening. . . vegetables As soon as weeds show up between the garden rows, get after them with the hoe. It saves a great deal of time and energy to destroy them before roots get tough. sae, Hand weeding in the row is necessary while plants are small. Be careful not to disturb the plant roots. When moisture is needed, let the water trickle along close to the roots. Rest the hose nozzle on an old blanket or prece of sacking to spread the water more evenly. LETTUCE. Sow lettuce seed as soon as the ground can be worked. Make rows the same as for carrots and beets. Sow the seed thinly, letting it run out slowly from the corner of the packet. Cover with about one-fourth to one-half inch of soil and press down firmly. If the plants of loose leaf let- tuce look crowded when they come up, thin them a little. Thin head lettuce plants so that they stand about eight to ten inches apart intherow. Have therowsat least twelve inches apart. Lettuce does best when the weather is cool and moist. MUSKMELON. In sections where summers are short, seed can be planted indoors or in hotbeds in small boxes. The young plants can be transferred to the garden when danger of frost is past. If practicable, spade in a liberal forkful of well-rotted manure at the bottom of each hill. The rows should be at least five feet apart, and the hills two to three feet apart in the rows. In general, the culture is the same as that for cucumber. MUSTARD. Sow at the same time as radishes and lettuce. Make the rows in the same way. Sow the seed thinly and cover with one-fourth to one-half inch of soil. Press down firmly. When the plants are about two or three inches high, thin them so that they are four to eight inches apart in the row. Mustard plants make the best greens when they are given plenty of water so that they grow quickly. OKRA or GUMBO. Okra seed does not germinate well at cool temperatures, and planting should be delayed until the ground is warm. Drop four or five seeds to the foot and cover one-half to one inch deep. Thin to about two feet in the row and keep thoroughly cultivated. ONION. Onion seed germinates well in cool weather. Plant as soon as the soil can be prepared. Shallow planting is advisable,—one-fourth to one-half inch. When a few inches tall, the young plants can be thinned to prevent crowding, and the plants removed can be used as green onions. After that, they can be pulled as needed, and those left to become fully ripe can be stored for winter. PARSLEY. The seed is even slower to germinate than pars- nip. It grows best in rich mellow soil and should be sown as early as possible in rows with a covering of not more than one-half inch of soil firmly pressed down. When the plants are well up, thin them to three to four inches apart in the row. As soon as those of the curled varieties are about three inches tall, cut off all the leaves; the new growth will be brighter and better curled. Every cutting will improve the quality of the leaves. PARSNIP. Parsnips grow best in loose, rich, sandy loam but will make good roots in any soil that is reasonably rich and deep. Stony soil and raw manure are likely to produce branched or misshapen roots. The seed requires steady abundant moisture for germination and should be sown as early as practicable. Sow in rows and when well up thin three to six inches apart in the row. Keep the ground moist if possible. Parsnips are improved by freezing, and a portion of the crop can be left in the ground all winter to be dug in spring when the ground has thawed. PEAS. Peas need moderate temperature, plenty of mois- ture, and long daylight hours. They are not injured by light frosts and may be planted as early in spring as the soil will permit. By planting some of several varieties at the same time, a well-arranged succession can be obtained, extending over a period of 30 days. Successive plantings of a desirable variety will also provide a succession, but this cannot be extended over as long a period with good results. All vari- eties more than one and one-half feet tall do better if staked up or otherwise supported when four to six inches tall. Use sharpened branches of trees set between the double rows. PEPPERS. Culture, soil, and temperature requirements for peppers are about the same as for eggplant. A moderate dressing of poultry manure, or complete commercial ferti- lizer hoed into the soil after the plants are six to eight inches tall will be beneficial. 12 Guide to better gardening. . . vegetables PUMPKIN. Pumpkins are less sensitive to unfavorable conditions of scil and weather than melons or cucumbers, but they are cultivated in about the same way. RADISH. Sow radish seed as early as the ground can be worked. Make the rows in the same way as for lettuce, beets, and carrots. Sow the seed thinly, and cover with one-half to one inch of soil. If the plants seem crowded when they come up, thin them to stand about an inch apart. Rad- ishes will be crisp and tender if they grow quickly and have plenty of moisture. RHUBARB. Sow seed in rows an inch deep and thin the plants to six inches apart. In the fall transplant to a per- manent location, setting the plants three to four feet apart. The stalks should not be taken for use the first year. ROQUETTE. In early spring, sow the seed in shallow rows about 16 in. apart, and for succession sow every few weeks. Water freely. The young leaves are ready for cutting when plants are eight to ten inches tall. RUTABAGA. This vegetable requires a longer growing season than turnip and needs more moisture. Seed may be sown from mid-June to mid-July. Culture is practically the same as for turnip except that the plants should be thinned to six or eight inches apart in the rows. When grown, pull, top, and store in cool cellar or pit. SALSIFY or VEGETABLE OYSTER. Sow seed early one-half to one inch deep, giving about the same culture as for parsnip. Succeeds best in light, rich soil that has been stirred quite deeply. SORREL. Sow in rows early in spring and thin the seed- lings to six or eight inches apart in the row. Cutting may begin in about two months, and the plants will continue in full bearing from three to four years. SPINACH. Plant seed as early in spring as ground can be prepared. Have the soil fine and loose. Make the rows about 12 inches apart. Sow the seed thinly, and cover with about an inch of soil. Press down firmly. When the plants are about three inches tall, thin them so that they are three to six inches apart in the row. Keep out the weeds. SQUASH. Plant about the same time as corn, when the ground is warm and dry. For summer squash make “‘hills’’ (see Corn), two to three feet apart; for winter squash, three to four feet apart. Drop six to eight seeds in each hill. Cov- er with about one to one and one-half inch of fine soil, and press down firmly. When the plants are up, thin them so that only three or four of the strongest ones are left in each hill. Well rotted manure or a little complete fertilizer may be mixed with the soil in each hill before the seeds are planted. SWISS CHARD. Plant at about the same time as lettuce and radish. Make the rows in the same way, and about 18 inches apart. Sow the seeds about one inch apart in the row, and cover with one-half to one inch of soil. When the plants are three or four inches high, thin them so that they are eight or ten inches apart in the row. Hoe the plants often, and keep out the weeds. TOMATO. Set out tomato plants when the weather is warm and sunny, and there is no danger of frost. Set the plants three or four feet apart each way so that they will have plenty of room. Water around the roots of the plants when setting them out if the ground is dry. Hoe often until the plants are quite large. TURNIP. For summer turnips, sow the seed as early as that of radishes and lettuce. Scatter the seed, or sow it in rows like those of radishes and lettuce. Cover the seed with about half an inch of soil. For fall and winter turnips, sow the seed in July in the same way. WATERMELON. Raising watermelons requires about the Same culture as muskmelons except that the vines need more room. Hills should be liberally manured, and cultivation careful and thorough. 13 The “‘tepee’” is a practical arrangement for staking tomato plants—one plant to each stake. In insect control, spray both upper and under sides of leaves. Cut the leaves of swiss chard when they are not more than ten to twelve inches long. Let the small center leaves continue to grow until they, too, are of good size. By this method you will always have crisp young greens from summer through fall. How to start tomato plants in pots indoors One of the best ways to make sure of having tomatoes of your favorite variety is to grow the plants yourself from seed. For a small, or even medium size garden, enough plants can be started in a ten-inch pot to provide a good supply. Follow directions on this page for starting seed and on page 3 for transplanting. 1. Filla clay pot with fine soil to within 1% inch of top. 2. Scatter fine soil over seed to a depth of about 4 inch. Shake seed from the packet as evenly as possible over the Firm the soil with flat of hand. surface. 3. Cut several layers of paper to fit top of pot. Keep well 4. For best growing conditions, place in sunny window. | soaked with water. Lift the paper every day or so, and Transplant to other pots when second parr of leaves ap- | remove it as soon as seedlings begin to sprout. pears. Lift seedlings carefully with pencil or knife blade. 5. Make holeslarge enough to receive roots without cramp- 6. Water well after transplanting, keep in shade a few ing. Firm soil around roots of each seedling, using days, then set in sunny window to grow until ready to pencil or fingers. plant outdoors. 14 } Appetizing ways to prepare vegetables fresh trom your garden \ Jf interested in other suggestions, send for folder “21 Ways to Enjoy the Vegetables You Grow” Until you have grown your own vegetables and picked them a few minutes prior to cooking or serving, you cannot say you have enjoyed vegetables at their best or benefited fully from their vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Vegetables need never become monotonous. They can be served in so many ways—raw, boiled, steamed, sautéed, baked. Vegetable cookery is easy and should be kept simple. Here are just a few of our favorite recipes which we hope will give you a glimpse of the possibilities. BEAN SALAD Season cooked leftover string beans in French Dressing for half an hour. After draining, arrange six or more beans in a bundle and put a strip of red pimiento around the bundle. Place on lettuce leaves and serve with addi- tional French Dressing. SWISS CHARD RING WITH CARROTS _ Wash 4 cups of Swiss Chard thoroughly, steam it for 15 to 20 minutes, then drain and chop fine. Add 14 cup butter and 14 teaspoon salt. Press into a ring mold and place the mold on a hot plate. Put buttered baby car- rots, seasoned with salt and pepper, in the center, add slices of hard boiled eggs and serve with Hollandaise Sauce. Serves 6. CAULIFLOWER AU GRATIN Soak a head of Cauliflower in salted water, then cook it in boiling salted water. With 4 tablespoons of butter, a cup of milk, and 3 tablespoons of flour, make a white sauce. Add to this about 14 cup of cauliflower liquid and 14 cup of cubed cheese. Put the Cauliflower in a casserole and pour the sauce over it. Add more cheese and butter, and sprinkle with paprika. Bake about 35 minutes, until brown on top. Serves 6. CORN Pick ears of Corn in garden within 14 hour of time thev are to be served on table. If a pressure cooker is avail- able use 14 cup water and cook 3 minutes. Otherwise, set a large kettle of water to boil while ears are being husked. Add a spoonful or two of sugar to the water. Submerge ears in water and after water comes back to a boil, cook for about 8 minutes. Serve immediately with butter and salt. CORN FRITTERS Add about 14 teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of flour and sift thoroughly. Beat the yolks of two eggs and combine with 24 cup of milk, then add to flour and mix well. Add about a tablespoon of melted butter and 1% cup of corn cut from the cob. Beat whites of the two eggs stiffly and add. Drop into deep fat heated to about 375 degrees, a spoonful at a time. Fry until delicate brown, and drain on paper towel. Serve piping hot with maple syrup. Serves 6. EGG PLANT and TOMATOES (EGG PLANT CREOLE) Cut 1 egg plant and 4 tomatoes into slices about 1% inch thick, paring egg plant slices. Sauté shredded green pepper and chopped onion in cooking oil. Remove and do same with egg plant slices. Place successive layers of egg plant and tomato in casserole, dotting with the pepper and onion, and sea- soning with salt and black pepper. Add a few leaves of sweet basil and finish with a layer of egg plant on top. Cover casserole and bake in oven at 375 degrees until egg plant slices are tender. Uncover casserole in later stage of baking. Serves 4 or more. PEAS Pick peas when they are young and tender and only a short time before they are to be shelled and cooked. In shelling, remove any immature peas and those which may be excessively hard. Rinse to remove bits of leaves or pods. Place peas in small amount of rapidly boiling salted water, with a sprig of mint if available, and cook until they are tender but not mushy. Drain and serve with butter or a small amount of cream with possibly a tiny bit of sugar, as preferred. SPINACH RING WITH MUSHROOMS Cook 2 pounds of freshly picked spinach about 10 min- utes in small amount of boiling water. After draining, chop fine or put through a coarse sieve. Beat 5 egg yolks and mix with 14 cup of cream and 1 tablespoon of melted butter, salt and pepper, and add the spinach. Press mixture into greased ring mold. Cover with waxed paper. Put in pan of hot water and steam in oven at 350 degrees about 45 minutes, until firm. Cook mushrooms slowly, for about 15 minutes, with melted butter or margarine in heavy frying pan with . cover, then add small amount of cream. Place spinach 15 ring on a hot platter and fill center with the creamed mushrooms. Serves 6. SQUASH Table Queen (Acorn) Cut squash into halves, removing seeds and fiber. Put 1 tablespoon of syrup, preferably maple syrup, or honey, in each half, adding a little salt. Bake in oven at 375 degree heat for 15 minutes, then add 14 teaspoon of sausage meat to each half and continue baking for 30 minutes. Zucchini Cut Squash into 14 inch slices. Do not peel. Steam Squash until tender. For 114 lbs. squash, melt 3 table- spoons of butter in a frying pan, adding 14 teaspoon minced garlic, 24 cup minced onion, 44 cup diced green pepper, 1 cup of tomatoes, salt and pepper. Cook until tender, then combine with the squash and !%4 cup of shredded cheese. Pour into a greased casserole, cover with bread crumbs and bake in oven at 350 degree heat for about 14 minutes. Serves 6. ESCALLOPED TOMATOES Put whole tomatoes in a casserole, adding a small amount of butter. Season with salt, pepper, a little sugar, and if available, basil. Cover with bread crumbs and bake until crumbs are well browned. Quick-reference chart for vitamins in vegetables iresh from your garden Prepared from material furnished by Michigan State College and Cornell University (N. Y.) Excellent sources of vitamin A (important for promotion of bodily health and vigor and resistance to infection): Green Snap Beans Garden Cress Peas Beet Greens Dandelion Greens Green and Red Green Sprouting Escarolle Peppers Broccoli (Broad Leaved Pumpkin Raw Green Cabbage Batavian Endive) Spinach Chinese Cabbage Kale Squash Carrots Green Lettuce Swiss Chard Green Celery Mustard Greens Tomato Collards Parsley Turnip Greens Excellent sources of vitamins B and G (important for stim- ulation of appetite and digestion): Green Snap Beans Collards Peas Beet Greens Dandelion Greens Radish Green Sprouting Kale Spinach Broccoli Lettuce Tomato Cabbage Mustard Greens Turnip Carrots Turnip Greens Excellent sources of vitamin C (important for promotion of proper growth, especially in children, and for anti-scurvy): Brussels Sprouts Kohl Rabi Radish Raw Cabbage Mustard Greens Rutabaga Cauliflower Parsley Spinach Chinese Cabbage Green Peas Tomato Collards Green & Red Turnip Dandelion Greens Peppers Turnip Greens Especially valuable in the diet because high in most of the important vitamins: Green Snap Beans Collards Mustard Greens Green Sprouting Dandelion Greens Peas Broccoli Kale Spinach Raw Cabbage Green Lettuce Tomato Carrots Turnip Greens For the junior gardeners in your home..... A plan for a vegetable and flower garden BACK OF GARDEN 9 in. Radish | J Leaf lettuce oT Carrot main: Swiss chard | ft. Bush Beans | ft. | Lilliput Zinnias ft. Dwarf Marigolds A garden of this size (4 feet wide by 6 feet long) will give a world of pleasure to boys and girls between the ages of six and twelve. The vegetables and flowers suggested are easy to grow and easy to care for. With very little help, a boy or girl can lay out this simple garden using a ruler or yardstick for spacing and to make the rows straight, leaving the number of inches indicated between rows. Gardening is now being taught children in thousands of schools throughout the country. Individuals or groups who would like to see this worthwhile educational ac- tivity develop in their localities can get helpful informa- tion from the National Garden Institute, 1368 North High St., Columbus 1, Ohio. 16 Average hard-frost dates* Based on United States Department of Agriculture Weather Records LAST IN FIRST IN LAST IN FIRST IN STATE SPRING FALL STATE SPRING FALL ileaiinaravara Nai ci sent War; 25 Oct. 30 Missouriier cas icone Apr. 20 Oct 20 AMA OBEN) SO An ae ass Mar. 8 Nov. 15 Wontana ere May 21 Sept. 22 Arizona, No.........-.. a 23 ae i INelorasika, Weel so... May 11 Ocue 4 Arizona, SO..+++.++-++- Mar. 1 Se INebraskacsE ss aos 625 e\jpye, US) Oct. 15 ee a ane Shee ge ae Re ae ee Nevada QW isiencn eu eae May 19 Sept. 22 ae te clase ee ak a aa eae che Nevada Aen eer June 1 Sept. 14 California New Hampshire........ May 23 Sept. 25 imaenia lV allleyatsse te Jain 225 Dec. 15 N : Ineriog Valle; Mar. 1 Nov. 15 OW JORIS = ogo ucse: hax Apr. 20 Oct. 25 Southern Coast..-..-. 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Ea Ze Oct. “19 Tle ee egera “May 25 Sept 25 Weninonti ean tude <2 May 23 Sept. 25 M Wirettael. INO. cs5 5b os 656s Nore 115) Oct 25 aryland 2a Go oo ooo eC OOUO Apr. 19 Oct. 20 Virginia, CG i Apr. 10 Oct. 30 Massachusetts: .22 05... Apr. 25 Oct-25 Washington, W......... Apr. 10 Nov. 15 Michigan, Upper Pen.... May 25 Sepeamis Washington sede: May 15 ~ Oct Michigan, No.......... May 17 Sept. 25 WW, Wires, W522 co. May 1 Oct. 15 Michigan, SOeso 2. 3. e May 10 @cts-