Detroit Free Press from Detroit, Michigan • Page 8

THE DETROIT FREE PRESS SUNDAY, APRIL. 11, 1943 PART ONE Experts Announce Points for tHe Judging of Victory Gardens 8 FOR A BETTER GARDEN War Council Proves Worth In Community Endeavor Output and Quality WiU Count Most Fertilizer and Its Use Explained One of the most misunderstood' BY WILLIAM J. COUGHL1N Free FreM SUff Writer Points by which gardens entered in the Free Press Victory Garden Contest and related contests will be judged were announced Saturday by a board of Michigan State College experts. Production of as much war food as possible in the space available was the No. 1 aim of gardeners who wish to win the top aspects of gardening concerns the role of fertilizer.

Many new gardeners are baffled because they haven't yet learned the very simple code that tells strength of commercial fertilizers and also do not know that most garden publications give separate meanings to the words fertilizer, manure, and soil conditioner. All commercial fertilizers manufactured this year for victory gardens must follow the Government "victory garden special" 3-8-7 formula. FIGURES EXPLAINED Here's what the figures mean: prizes. Free Press awards total $1,500 in war bonds. The fears of hundreds were tween rows, size, shape and location of the garden.

Up to 10 points also may be gained by the urban gardener for the number and kinds of vegetables grown. To be entered in the contest at least 10 different kinds of vegetables must be grown in the The figure 3 refers to the ended when Prof. O. I. Gregg, chairman of the rules committee, announced that size of the gardens would have no bearing in awarding prizes.

QUALITY FIRST "The committee set no size limitations," he said, "feeling that quality and planning may mean more than size. "The small garden that Is especially well planned and cared for will thus have more chance of winning than will a large, poorly planned and poorly kept garden. "We felt that the important amount of nitrogen present. This is the chemical that produces luxuriant foliage and steps up urban garden. The judges will take note of the economic importance fruit production, in excess, how of vegetables grown whether ever, it favors leaf growth and so has resulted often In gardeners they are mostly of the high productive varieties demanded in a It If tr 5 Iff Fff! kv3 1 I jU-f-Av.

A VsWr ''A ISsl ik v5 having sprawling tomato plants I if I i rc IiMriiii'fi iwfi ivmiiirMriii' i -c- year of food crisis. PRIZES LISTED but no tomatoes. Lack of nitrogen is shown by leaves of a sickly yellow color. As previously announced the Free Press will award the follow thing this year is to produce as much food as possible in the area available and in the time that can ing prizes to urban gardeners: The figure 8 refers to the amount of phosphorus, which 'Tipens' tissues made tender by A $500 War Bond for the best be devoted to the garden." urban garden anywhere in the nitrogen and gives color to fruit On the rules committee with State of Michigan. Strong stems, good roots, and Gregg were Paul R.

Krone, chief A $200 War Bond for the best plump, well-formed fruits are signs that sufficient phosphorus is urban garden in Greater Detroit of the Victory uaraen section, Michigan Council of Defense, and (Wayne. Oakland and Macomb present in the garden. THE "FLAVOR" CHEMICAL, Perry H. Bowser, Keith C. Bar Counties.) A $100 War Bond for the best The figure 7 describes potassium rons and Spencer B.

Apple, all of the Horticultural Department of urban garden in Wayne County, in a form usually referred to as A $100 War Bond for the best potash. This might be called the Michigan State College. CHANCE FOR ALL urban garden In Oakland County. "flavor" chemical. It also is lm A $100 War Bond for the best A glance at the rules revealed portant In one aspect of root and stem building and aids plants In urban garden in Macomb County.

that they were drawn, as re Besides the Free Press state quested by the Free Press, to Prize of a $500 War Bond, there will be" a second state prize of a $50 War Bond and a third state prize of a $25 War Bond. resisting disease. Combining all three In one victory-garden package produces what Is called a "complete and balanced fertilizer." The S-8-7 formula is slightly lower in nitrogen than the formulae favored in peace years. This is necessary because of war demands for nitrates. The rules as outlined above for urban gardens will apply also to contests registered with the Council of Defense for the best vegetable garden in a trailer camp and the best vegetable garden Office of War Information Photo.

A GARDEN VETERAN RAKES IN PLANT FOOD This is the method suggested by Michigan State College give an equal chance to the gar den veteran and garden new comer. Although broken Into classifications for the convenience of the judges, they added up to this: That the prizes will be won by gardeners who faithfully follow the elementary practices on clean cultivation, thorough care and intelligent planning that have been outlined in recent weeks in the Free Press. In past years 5-10-5 and 10-20- new short roots and that it gradu 30 formulas often were used. in an industrial plot. the form of pulverized limestone which works very slowly or hy-drated lime which works more Obviously anyone anplyine a fertil ally is washed deeper into the soil to feed longer roots as they State prizes for trailer camp gardens are a $50 War Bond, first, izer having the strong make-up of this last in the quantities recom FARMERETTE BETTY SPICKETT TRD2S HER nAND AT PLOWINO The Northwestern War Council has a dozen tractors ready to do their duty on the food front.

promptly. develop. ADVISED BY EXPERTS and a $25 War Bond, second, or fered by the Michigan Horticul Lime should not be allowed to Thus the gardener' who wins come in contact with fertilizer or This last practice is advised for tural Society. County prizes in points for such "cultural prac kind of vegetables and fruits, 15; this class, a $25 War Bond, first; manure. It should be applied at least two weeks before fertilizer, home gardens by Michigan State College experts who say: "The tices as weeding and watering.

$15 in War Stamps, second, and succession planting, 15; quality and production, 15; plan of vege is almost certain to come off well fertilizer should be applied after $5 in War Stamps, third, have if possible. ADDS HUMUS TO SOIL when the points for "quality and the ground is plowed or spaded Group Will Plow Thousands of Lots table garden, 10; sou condition, iu; and cultural practice, 10. production are added up. been offered in Wayne, Macomb, Washtenaw, Oakland and Monroe Counties by the Detroit News. Manure contains plant food but is more valuable because it adds Besides the Free Press top and before seeds are planted.

It should be thoroughly and evenly mixed with the soil and worked For home grounds where all humus to the soil the organic The same prizes hold for In prizes, there have been scores of prizes ranging from 55 in War as much as possible into the work i3 done by the family, except plowing and fitting, prizes are a $100 bond, first; $50 bond, matter that makes top soil look moist soil." Stamps to a $100 War Bond offered by various firms, organizations, clubs and societies through Before finishing with commer second, a $25 bond, third, and $5 dustrial plot gardens, except that second prize in each of the counties will be $10 in War Stamps. FARM GARDENS In judging farm gardens, up to 20 points may be gained under in War Stamps for 25 runners-up; out Michigan. The grand total of furnished by the Detroit News. these prizes is expected to ex For home grounds on which Rosedale Park area chairman! Homer Clark, Bedford area chairman; George Alder, Brightmoor area chairman; C. R.

Cranley, Redford Township area chairman; Roy G. Ewing, in charge of coordination; Arnold Klett, general information and seeds, and George E. Smith, treasurer. ceed $10,000. As previously announced, entry outside help works there is a $100 War Bond first prize furnished cial fertilizers, it might be noted that other chemicals than the "big three" are necessary in gardens.

For instance, a trace of such things as boron, sulphur, manganese and copper is necessary, but these almost always are present in the soil. They become important of themselves only in water-culture each of the headings: Numbers and kinds of vegetables, succession planting and quality and in the Free Press Victory Garden by the Michiagn Association of Contest automatically entitles the Nurserymen and second and third gardener to any of the other prizes for which he may be eligible. prizes of a $50 and $25 War Bond given by the Michigan State mended for the victory-garden special mixture would have grave difficulties. So it is always important to follow the manufacturer's directions. Usually an application of from two to four pounds of victory-garden special to 100 square feet (10 by 10 feet) is recommended.

Less fertilizer is needed in a plot newly converted from sod than in an established garden where intense cultivation has been draining the soil of plant food year after vear. DIFFERENT SYSTEMS Now for methods of application. Unfortunately for the new gardener there isn't any hard and fast rule. The authorities disagree. One school says to spread the entire amount of commercial fertilizer just before the ground is spaded or plowed.

They argue that the plant food will dissolve well below the surface and bring the plant roots down deep to get it. Another schools says to spade in half and save half for side dressings applying the fertilizer along rows after plants start to grow, being careful to see that it does not come in direct contact with roots. Some of these dissolve the fertilizer in water and apply it to rows that way. Still another school says to plow spade the soil, fit it lightly for planting and then work the fertilizer well into the top three inches of soil with a rake. It is argued that this fertilizer is available for Haste in entering the contest Is so different from the hard earth lower down.

Horse manure is best if well rotted. When fresh it generates heat in the soil which may burn new plants. Fresh stable manure is usually recommended for fall use, and so if used in the spring it must be well spread over the garden plot and spaded or-plowed in deeply. If there is a choice, fresh manure is less likely to harm leaf crops than roots. Cow manure generates less heat, and therefore the precautions need not be so exact.

But well rotted manure is always preferable. Poultry manure is quite strong in certain elements, and should be well mixed with soil before being spread on the plot. Green manure Is a crop grown gardens. Florists Association. asked to help local judges, who will begin to visit gardens shortly Prizes for home grounds entered after June 21.

Final judging, of To qualify, a farm garden must produce at least 15 kinds of vegetables of good varieties of economic importance. In awarding the 20 points, judges will take into consideration the number, amount and kinds of vegetables planted for storing and canning. In judging succession planting, course, will have to wait until July call lime a ieniuzer, but modern practice is to refer to it a a soil conditioner. At the same time that it makes clay soil lighter and sandy soil more compact, it cuts down on acidity. Too much, of course, will kill and August.

by members of the Michigan Horticultural Society were furnished by the society. They are a $100 bond, first; a $50 bond, second, and a $25 bond, third. JUNIOR GARDENS CITY GARDENS Plowmen Are Listed by Two Organizations Efforts to find plowmen for Detroit Victory gardeners are still being made by two organizations. A list is kept for consultation at Victory Garden Headquarters FItzroy 3840,. and at the Detroit Garden Center on Belle Isle, FItzroy 8580.

Results gained from succession Plaques will be awarded to the judges will want to know the time of succession plantings and cropping use of the garden space for more than one crop will count highest when city, village, subur Michigan's best school gardens and a $25 War Bond will be given to each of the best five gardens will take into consideration the most plants and this is the reason for the elaborate soil tests with their readings which range from pH 4.5 for very acid soil Jo pH 7 for neutral soil to pH 8 for strongly alkaline soil. suitability of size of each planting. ban and other urban gardens are judged, according to the rules. in the fall to be turned under to rot. Thus sod on a new garden soil is a kind of green manure.

in Michigan grown up boys and girls up to 18 who are not 4-H Whether plantings were for canning and storing will also count. members. mm The chief value of such manures Prof. Gregg points out that a plan Many veteran gardeners Judge A $25 War Bond will be given of the garden will be an asset. 3: In judging quality and produc to each of the best gardens in Michigan grown by 4-H Club An answer to those who say metropolitan area residents can't get together to plan community activity is given by Detroit's Northwest War Council.

Its members say it is directing the largest war-garden enterprise of its kind anywhere in America. Applications for the plowing of 1,500 lots have already been received in the area west of Meyers Road between Plymouth and Eight Mile Road. Plowing equipment includes 12 Ford-Ferguson tractors with plows. The drivers and helpers number 40, Plowing follows a set schedule. Each lot, which must contain 4,000 square feet of garden soil to qualify, is checked by a committee of experts for fertility.

Soil is fitted free in plots held by wives of service men with two or more children. Plowing prices follow a set schedule. Up to 4,000 square feet will be plowed and harrowed for $5. Additional areas are fitted at the rate of 45 cents for 1,000 square feet. For plowing, discing and harrowing sod-covered ground the price for 4,000 to 5,000 square feet is $7.50 with a seventy-five-cent charge for each additional 1,000 square feet.

Special rates are given for a half acre or more. The fee schedule will be in effect on applications made up to April 15. After that date there will be an additional charge. An idea of the thoroughness with which the council, of which Dr. Frank Bates is president, has approached the problem is given by the victory garden committee setup: Floyd McGriff Is general chairman; Arch McCullum, of Farming-ton, plow master; Howard C.

Peckena, plowing chairman; De-Witte Smith, Strathmoor area chairman; Clyde V. Fenner, Seven Mile-Greenfield area chairman; William Measel, Grandale area chairman; E. J. Krechen, South ONION SETS! POD LOH PI MAN'S VH is to make the garden soil a better place for plants to live a function also served by peat moss, which is widely sold in garden stores. points to be considered are: the need of lime from the way in which beet roots develop.

The roots don't like acid soil so poor development often indicates a need for lime. Lime is usually used in Twenty-five of the 100 possible points may be gained through the proper employment of succession cropping, a rule designed to result in the growing of the greatest amount of food possible in a given area, while still allowing ample space between rows and plants. In' inspecting urban gardens, the members. Freedom from insects and diseases, harvest quality, the amount canned and stored. Fifteen points may be won by the farm gardener for both soil judges will want to know the time condition and cultural practices.

Nearly 5,000 Are on List for Gardens of planting of each succession SOIL TO BE JUDGED WithTender Plants, Wait TillFrostPerillsPast crop, the successions followed and the quantity of each crop grown. Soil condition will be decided after taking into consideration Next highest point standings organic matter, fertilizer, time of plowing and general condition of may be gained by urban gardeners under the heading of "quality and production" and "cultural prac Almost 5,000 persons had quali Hundreds of misguided victory 6V Garden Chairmen Are Announced Residents in suburban areas often can obtain many gardening services and much useful advice by getting in touch with their local victory garden chairman. Karl D. Bailey, Oakland County the soil. Eat OhIom 6 Weeks Seeeerl Plant nowl Thin evt 'at Hm Qfw eniont.

Th enionf remaining diralop Into larga Fall dry onions. Plant tn to cauton avary 2 waaio. Mb. plants, 30-ft. YELLOW ONIONS, 50c pewa WHITE ONIONS.

40c peaad RED ONIONS, 50c pommd MULTIPLIERS (for early area oaioai only), 50c poaad Cultural practices will be Judged tice." on the basis of freedom from In Judging quality and produc fied for City of Detroit victory garden plots when the lists of "promised plots" were closed at Victory Garden Headquarters, 504 Elmwood, it was announced by weeds, soil mulch, water or irri tion, the judges may award up to gardeners have already attempted to buy tomato plants from Detroit nurserymen, it was revealed Saturday. "Please tell them that putting out tomato plants now is a fearful waste," one wholesale grower of seedlings asked. gation, and distance between plants. 20 points for the manner in which the gardener has employed insect and disease control in connection John J. Considine, superintendent The final 10 of the 100 points Tender plants, to be planted from 10 days to two and a half weeks after the average date of the last killing frost: New Zealand spinach, snap beans, sweet corn and tomatoes.

Very tender plants, to be planted after the weather has become warm, usually three to four weeks after the date of the last killing frost: cucumber, eggplant, lima beans, muskmelon, pepper, pumpkin, sweet potato, squash and watermelon. VEGETABLE SEEDS 111 Bast Voriatias for Km Float; with the quality of his harvest. for farm gardens will depend on location and plan. Factors will be convenience of location, shape and Of course, the amount of produce agricultural agent, has listed the canned or stored will be a de following municipal chairmen: size of the garden, distance be of the Departments of Parks and Recreation, Saturday. Additional applications sent to Victory Garden Headquarters will go on a waiting list, Considine said.

He believed that hundreds on this list will be accommodated as additional sites for gardens are cidedly important feature in judging quality and production. Pontiac, Arthur Ganter, City LOHRMAN SEED COMPANY MACOMI art IRUSH RAmI. ITtl 1193-143 Oar SOtfc Yaarl tween rows and direction of rows to control erosion. TO EXAMINE PLOTS Hall Annex; Bloomfield Hills, Mrs. Joseph Hinshaw, 482 Pon Valley; Free Press Contest prizes for Up to 20 points also may be farm gardens are: South Lyon, J.

Keith Arms, 428 found. A $250 War Bond for the best gained by the urban gardener for cultural practices. Judges will farm garden anywhere in the state. W. Lane; Hazel Park, James Trembath, 705 Woodruff; Royal Oak, Ray W.

Labbitt, 1809 Syca A $100 War Bond for the best examine the food plot to determine whether it is free from weeds, farm garden in the Detroit region a BETTER LAWM JL Ml more; Huntington Mrs about Growing (Wayne, Oakland and Macomb Arthur H. Roberts, 25310 Park- "Some people seem to hold it against our dealers when we refuse to sell plants that certainly would be killed by frosts and couldn't possibly grow anyway in cold soil." May 15.is about the earliest date for setting out tomato plants in the Detroit area. SHORTAGES DISCOUNTED "I don't put too much stock in this talk of shortages," the dealer added. "Personally, we have 60,000 flats of such things as tomatoes, cabbage, cauliflower and peppers coming along." Instead if trying to set plants out in the garden, time still remains to grow them indoors for transplanting 10 days to two or three weeks after the date of the Counties). A $50 War Bond for the best farm garden in Wayne County.

A $50 War Bond for the best farm garden in Oakland County, Instructions. He carries a complete stock of Woodruff lawn seeds which are adapted to your' own local growing Got practical information on lawn planting, care end repair at your Woodruff dealer. Complete with charts end simple to -understand A $50 War Bond for the best Questions What Is the purpose of "starter solutions" In transplanting? A The solution helps tomato and similar plants get settled quickly in their new home in the outdor garden. Special preparations are manufactured, but a substitute may be made at home by dissolving a handful of special victory garden fertilizer in a bucket of water. A cup is poured about roots of the plant at transplanting time, care being taken that the solution does not get on the foliage.

When should carrots be thinned? A If not too crowded, you can farm garden In Macomb County. In addition to the Free Press State Prize of a $250 War Bond, farm gardens may win the state Woodruff Lawn Seed second prize of a $50 War Bond or the third prize of a $25 War Bond. HOME GROUNDS last killing frost. There are three classes In the whether a soil mulch has been maintained through regular cultivation, whether proper distance has been maintained between plants and whether there has been a regular watering or irrigation schedule to insure even growth of vegetables. Next most important division is "soil condition." Judges may award up to 15 points for general, appearance of the garden plot, noting particularly how carefully the soil has been worked.

Also important in judging condition, will be the gardener's use of fertilizer and organic matter and whether direction of rows affects water runoff. The last 20 points are equally divided between "number and kinds of vegetables" and "plan of garden." Up to 10 points will be given In connection with planning. Prof. Gregg pointed out that while a submitted paper plan is an asset, it will not be required except In the finals. The judges will consider space be- home grounds contests places where the family does all the work, those where some outside help is employed, and places owned by members of the Michigan Horticultural Society.

The average date of the last killing frost in the Detroit area Is April 27. At Alpena, It is May 12; at Flint, May at Monroe, May at Battle Creek, May at Grand Rapids, May at Traverse City, May 12; at Kalamazoo, May at Calumet, May 16, and at Iron River, June 7. For the guidance of new garden wait until the carrots are pencil size, using the thinnings for the table. Judging points In both contests What are winter radishes? A A long variety (a foot to 18 are landscaping, lawn shrubs and flowers, 25 points; number and ers here are the EARLIEST plant wood; Ferndale, Russell Lawall, 325 W. Lewiston.

Pleasant Ridge, H. W. Hathaway, 40 Sylvan; Clawson, Mrs. E. G.

Gruneau, 735 Renshaw; Berkley, Harry Turner, 4039 Kenmore; Hazel Park, Lee Clark, 429 E. Granet; Orchard Lake, Mrs. George L. Bowen; Oxford, Mrs. George Tunstead, and Clarkston, William Vleit.

Township chairmen are: Ralph Meek, 245 N. Broadway. Lake Orion; Mrs. Ora Joy, 30735 Grand River, Farmington; Mrs. William Sutton, 43 Mill, Orton-ille; Miss Winnifred Holmwood, RFD 2, Milford; Mrs.

R. N. Hick-son, RFD Robert McCrory, RFD, South Lyon; Arthur Claxton, 1268 W. Long Lake, Bloomfield Hills; Mrs. Garfield Route 8, Pontiac; Joseph Kelly, 202 N.

Saginaw, Holly; Mrs. Wilbur Hoard, Leonard; Lloyd E. Brady, 21431 Caledonia, Royal Oak, and Mrs. Richard Larges, Route 4, Birmingham. Auto Firms Provide Victory Garden Plots Many automotive Industry firms have extensive Victory garden programs, according to a report of the Automotive Council for War Production.

While most firms provide plots to be used by individual workers, one firm with a plant in a farming section has hit on a novel idea. It has leased a 100-acre farm which it will operate itself to provide vegetables for its 650 employees at cost. inches) much grown in other counties for fall eating, winter storage and pickling. Some varieties are THE FOLLOWING STORES HAVE WOODRUFF SEED IN STOCK ing dates recommended by Michigan State College experts: MmnncM kills moles; Chinese Rose (red): Long Black Hardy plants, to be planted from lUULUULII Ea Ulll larajrita: Spanish and Sakurajima (white Pound anly 50a it daalan two to four weeks before the average date of the last killing frost; Rata Ufa. skin).

Bww. W.Y.J BleClellsn Feed A Salt Company, Birmingham, Stiehlsaa Lawn Eenlpmeat Corporation 674 Princeton Road. Berkley. Michisaa Ana Arbor Implement Company, Ann Arbor, Miehlsma Fred A. Harms Hardware Company, 7924 West Fort Street, Detroit, Michigan Chaa.

Holmes Hardware Companr, 13141 Woodward Arenas, Detroit, Michigan I. B. llrenfrits Son Company, 19314 Van Dyke Avenue, Detroit. Miehlcaa Asm ua Brothers Hardware Company, 2944 Biddle Avenue. Wyandotte, Michigan Mlrhlraa Feed Company, S3480 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, Michigan Is popcorn difficult to grow? A Cultural requirements are asparagus, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, Chinese cabbage, horseradish, kale, kohl-rabi, onions, about the same as for sweet corn.

Of course, the ears are allowed to mature fully, then are shocked parsley, radish, rhubarb, rutabaga, sea kale, peas, spinach and turnip. like field corn to permit thorough THESE AK EAaJLx Woodruff Seed for YourPartlcular Lawn at I If- 1 drying out. The ears are then re Half-hardy plants, to be planted moved, shucked and stored in a very dry place. I I an BT Mm ana a -fw about the time of the average last killing frost: artichoke, beets, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chard, endive, lettuce, parsnips, potatoes 1 Pontiac Nurseries Startling Specials 6 Cktaea Elma, fastest crowing, 5 to 6 ft, Apple, amazing; varieties oa on tree, each. 3-'-l Pears, varieties in 1 tree, each S3.29 Beat srrade of fruit tree, 29 popular -varieties, 89e Plant rosea S3 choice varieties, ever-b looming roses.

Blooaa this snmmer, 2-yr. Sa, 1 boshes, 69e ORSAMEJiTAIi SHADES TREES, VEGETABLE SEET1S FERTILIZER, GARDEN TOOLS, INSECTICIDES, PEAT MOSS, ETC. F'mi Our Detroit Display Ground or Drive Out to Our Farm in Romeo on Van Dyke PONTIAC NURSERIES 7327 W. MeMCHOLS OPEX SCXDATS VAW DYKE RD, Rome IMVERSITY 1-1011 Open Evea. to p.m.

Phono Romeo S3 cor. VICTORY GARDENERS salsify. BUY WAR BONDS BUY WAR BONDS Fruit Trees and Berries Thy Grow or Wt Replacs Thim EMPIRE NURSERY CO. 0. M.

PARKER CO, MasUr Coumalor 5757 Cass Ave. MA. 1118 REPELS DOGS mn4 AnH. Funi-0 tolp ntMt alanti. fthakar Mly SO at daakn writes Rm Kit.

Cwtoac. T..