he best distribution of sunlight run
the rows northwest and southeast.

"The idea is to get the most sunlight as evenly distributed as possible
for the longest period of time. From the lopsided growth of window
plants it is easy enough to see the effect on plants of poorly
distributed light. So if you use a little diagram remembering that you
wish the sun to shine part of the day on one side of the plants and part
on the other, you can juggle out any situation. The southern exposure
gives the ideal case because the sun gives half time nearly to each
side. A northern exposure may mean an almost entire cut-off from
sunlight; while northeastern and southwestern places always get uneven
distribution of sun's rays, no matter how carefully this is planned.

"The garden, if possible, should be planned out on paper. The plan is a
great help when the real planting time comes. It saves time and
unnecessary buying of seed. Last winter we drew some plans to a scale.
Peter, Philip, and Myron did this work in fine shape. They offer to take
groups of you girls and show you how to do it; so whenever you are ready
for this, the boys are ready, too. Sometimes we do change our plans
some, anyway a change is easily made when a plan has been drawn as a
basis.

"New garden spots are likely to be found in two conditions: they are
covered either with turf or with rubbish. In large garden areas the
ground is ploughed and the sod turned under; but in small gardens remove
the sod. How to take off the sod in the best manner is the next
question. Stake and line off the garden spot. The line gives an accurate
and straight course to follow. Cut the edges with the spade all along
the line. If the area is a small one, say four feet by eighteen or
twenty, this is an easy matter. Such a narrow strip may be marked off
like a checkerboard, the sod cut through with the spade, and easily
removed. This could be done in two long strips cut lengthwise of the
strip. When the turf is cut through, roll it right up like a roll of
carpet.

"But suppose the garden plot is large. Then divide this up into strips a
foot wide and take off the sod as before. What shall be done with the
sod? Do not throw it away for it is full of richness, although not quite
in available form. So pack the sod grass side down one square on
another. Leave it to rot and to weather. When rotted it makes a fine
fertilizer. Such a pile of rotting vegetable matter is called a compost
pile. A