CHAPTER VIII 



THE PREPARATION OF THE SWEET PEA QUARTERS 

 OUTDOORS 



OPINIONS differ as to when the quarters should be 

 trenched, and the garden soil prepared for the succeed- 

 ing planting period. Leading lights in the cultivation 

 and exhibition of these flowers are very divided in their 

 views. Many recommend deep culture, varying the 

 depth from two to three feet, and pin their faith to this 

 work being done in the autumn. Others again have 

 a decidedly strong feeling in favour of the trenching 

 being carried out in midwinter, preferably immediately 

 after Christmas, or at the turn of the year. We have 

 a preference for autumn operations, especially in the 

 case of heavy soils where long exposure to the weather 

 tends to sweeten the soil and make it more workable, 

 and where the winter's frost from start to finish invari- 

 ably pulverises and renders friable soils of the heaviest 

 texture, and also those of the most uncharitable nature. 

 This desirable result is less likely to be achieved in the 

 case of heavy and retentive soils when the trenching 

 operations are deferred until the mid-winter and later. 

 "With sandy soils and those of a peaty nature, it is easy 

 to understand that exposure to climatic conditions during 

 the longer period is not so necessary. For this reason 

 we recommend as a general practice to commence the 

 preparatory operations in good time. As soon as avail- 

 able ground can be cleared in the autumn, the better. 

 A fine day should be selected on which to wheel 

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