CHAPTER XVII 



STAKING AND OTHER METHODS OF SUPPORTING THE 

 GROWTHS 



THE judgment of non-observant growers is that there 

 is a considerable difference of opinion as to what are the 

 best methods of supporting the vigorous growths of the 

 Sweet Pea. But from careful inquiry among some of 

 the best growers, supplemented by our own practical 

 experience, there can be no doubt whatever as to 

 which is the more popular and practical way of treating 

 these plants when it becomes necessary to afford them 

 support. Practical Sweet Pea growers are overwhelm- 

 ingly in favour of the use of sticks for supporting their 

 plants, and most of them give good reasons for their 

 partiality in this respect. 



New, not old sticks are essential. They may be of 

 birch, elm, beech or hazel, but a decided preference 

 should be given to the last mentioned, as they are cleaner, 

 neater and more feathery, and also better in many 

 particulars. In most country gardens, it is not difficult 

 to procure the necessary hazel stakes, and these at a 

 comparatively cheap rate. In suburban areas it is less 

 easy, although where a limited number of bundles is 

 required, the expense is not of much consequence. 

 Where Sweet Peas are largely grown, however, the 

 sticks become an item of considerable expense. For 

 this reason no doubt some growers endeavour to 

 economise by utilising other means of support for their 

 plants. 



