_Nitrate of Soda_ is a very stimulating food for _vegetables_. Use 1 tablespoonful in 4 quarts of water in the sprinkler. Do not use until the plants are at least 3 inches high, and only once in two weeks. Sprinkle ground near roots—do not sprinkle leaves.
_Cow Manure_ and _Sheep Manure_ may be purchased in powdered form for use in a small garden, and in this form are most easily managed by little folks.
Powdered Sheep Manure dug in around the roots of roses once a month assures a wealth of bloom.
One of the best insecticides for children to use, because it is not poisonous to human beings, is Slug Shot, a patent preparation, which will kill worms and many other biting insects. It is inexpensive and need be dusted but lightly on foliage which is bitten.
Tobacco tea made by throwing boiling water over tobacco stems, and letting it cool, is used for aphides (Plant lice).
For other insecticides, see Chapter XXIX.
In the following blank pages, write down your own experience in gardening; for example,
-----------------+---------------+--------------------------------- NAME. | DATES. | REMARKS. -----------------+---------------+--------------------------------- _Sweet Peas._ |Plant in the | Plant in deep drills, in rich (Improved Early | _Autumn_, or | earth. Give them a wire Spencer.) | early Spring. | frame to climb upon. Never Pink, lavender, | | water at night, as the dampness white. | | causes them to mildew. | | Pick blossoms daily. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CHILDREN who live in the city usually have so little ground that they are not often encouraged to attempt gardening.
Even in the tiny 9 x 12 foot city yard, provided it has sunshine during some part of the day, a surprising variety of plants may be grown.
In the new style of building, happily the old-fashioned boarded-up fence is disappearing, being replaced by iron fencing, which gives an open appearance and admits air to the rear of the dwelling; but if one lives where the garden is “walled in,” a great deal of pleasure may be gained from—
Along the sunniest wall of the garden, hang boxes on iron brackets as shown in the picture on this page.