Preface

Jack Hayes -Yearbook Editor.

Don't start too big. This advice to new gardeners comes from a seed company horticulturist. A smaller garden that is well kept will produce more and better-quality food than a big one that is neglected, she notes, adding: "You want your gardening to be fun."

An Extension specialist says you can have a productive garden in quite a small space—a 10 by 15 foot area, for example. Or your garden may be limited to a balcony or even a windowsill.

Keep your investment in supplies and equipment to a minimum until you find out whether you want to continue gardening. A good time to make a decision is after harvest. You will know about the work and time required, and the expenses involved. And if you want to continue, you will be more of a realist in opting to stay small or to expand.

This Yearbook has been written by knowledgeable specialists throughout the United States and can be your guide for a successful garden. But also read gardening publications prepared by the Cooperative Extension Service in your State, attend gardening meetings that often are held before the growing season, and check your library for useful literature.

Besides the authors, other people with a wide variety of talents and experience contributed to this Yearbook. Personnel of the Typography and Design Division, U.S. Government Printing Office, involved in the book include Charles McKeown, Rudie Diamond, Howard Behrens, and Irene Bebber. Denver Browning of the Yearbook staff prepared the index. Other staff members were Mary Vest, Mary McGowan, and Mark Wolkow.

Robert A. Wearne, Extension Service, chaired the Yearbook Committee that planned the book. Allan K. Stoner of the Agricultural Research Service was assistant chairman.