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The Preparation of the Soil

Let us consider the preparation of the soil inside of the garden. After the beds are staked out and the sod is lifted, this important work comes next on the program.

In excavating instruct the men to keep the top soil and the yellow bottom or subsoil in separate piles; the top soil will have to be replaced later if the supply of compost is not sufficient, but the subsoil is discarded. Excavate the earth to a depth of two and a half feet at least, if deeper so much the better. Unless the land is naturally very well drained, some artificial drainage will be necessary. Any coarse material such as crushed stone or coarse coal ashes will be satisfactory. If the soil is very light and sandy and shows a tendency to dry out quickly after heavy rains this extra drainage should not be given for the plants will be more apt to suffer from drought.

Loosen the earth in the bottom of the bed with the pick; if drainage is required a layer of coarse material should be put in first of all, to a depth of from three to six inches depending upon the natural drainage of the land. When this is accomplished fill in the entire bed, to within six inches of the surface, with compost and well-rotted cow manure in the proportion of one [9] part manure to three parts compost. Have piles of manure and piles of soil near the bed and to every third wheelbarrow load of soil add one of manure.

Another method which is often practiced is to put the soil and manure in alternate layers. When a large garden is made it is often not possible to supply enough compost to follow these directions exactly. In that case mix the available compost with top soil; aim to secure soil that is at least moderately rich.

The surface to a depth of six inches should be composed of pure leaf mold and either compost or top soil mixed in the proportion of half leaf mold and half top soil or compost. It is well not to use manure in this top layer as it should not come in direct contact with the roots, and the manure in the bottom will encourage the formation of a deeper root system since they will be attracted downward in their search for the food below. [10]