The pupils have now arrived at an age when they are able to do most of the work of preparing and planting their own plots. The seeds have been selected and placed in readiness for planting long before the ground is ready. The plans for the garden and the varieties to be sown in the different plots have likewise been arranged. Fertilizers, lines, tools, and labels are made ready for use. With such thorough preparation the making and planting of the garden becomes a pleasure and a delight to both teacher and pupils. The garden diary should begin as soon as the snow disappears from the garden and be continued until all the work is completed in the autumn, and the garden again blanketed in snow.
The main points to be safeguarded are:
1. Thorough cultivation and fertilization.
2. The best available seed carefully planted. Guard against thick sowing and deep covering.
3. Frequent cultivation and careful thinning while the plants are quite small.
4. Vigilance in detecting the appearance of cutworms or other injurious insects and promptness in combating them.
5. Protection of the garden against injury from dogs, pigs, poultry, and English sparrows.
6. Failure of some plots, through the owner's absence from school for long periods.