GENERAL DIRECTIONS FOR THE CULTURE
OF THE HOME GARDEN
WHAT IS A GOOD LOCATION FOR A GARDEN?

  A garden site should be reasonably level and should be exposed to direct sunlight for at least six hours a day; spots shaded by large buildings or trees should be avoided. The darker topsoil should be eight inches deep or more, and drainage should be such that no water stands on the surface longer than a few hours, even after heavy rains.
  Soils which have produced good vegetable or farm crops previously or a heavy growth of weeds if idle should be chosen if possible. Filled-in plots may not be satisfactory, particularly if cinders, rock, or rubbish are included in the fill. If weed growth has been heavy, however, such plots may be used. Stony land is laborious to dig and cultivate but may be used if larger stones can be removed.

IS A SOIL TEST NECESSARY?

  Little information is obtained from a soil test, except for lime requirements, unless the test is made and interpreted by an expert. In view of the great number of gardens which may be expected in 1944, it is evident that public agencies will not be able to make soil tests on any considerable proportion of them. The information given by the vigor of plant growth in previous seasons should be sufficiently reliable under present conditions.