FOR SUBURBAN GARDENS 71 



during the season. It is absurd to think of sowing the seeds at six 

 or eight inches apart, as if this method were followed the tubs 

 would hardly contain more than half a dozen plants each, and my 

 experience is that although six plants at six inches apart might 

 cover a certain area of ground out of doors more satisfactorily than 

 a dozen plants at three inches apart, the dozen plants would give 

 a better return in a tub. The reason is that Sweet Peas in tubs 

 do not grow so vigorously or brapch out so much as plants sown 

 in the open ground. I reckon to have at least a dozen plants in 

 each tub. 



Essentials to Success. The essentials to success I believe 

 to be these : (1) filling the tubs with good turfy soil made firm ; 

 (2) sowing the seeds in the middle of February ; (3) careful 

 watering until the plants are well rooted, copious supplies during 

 summer, and removal of dead and fading flowers. I have seen 

 various methods adopted for staking Sweet Peas in tubs, but have 

 not met with any superior to the use of hazel sticks. The general 

 appearance of the plants is improved if the sticks are pulled together 

 slightly by means of string, tied round them in one or two places, 

 not tightly but just sufficient to keep them neat. As the plants 

 progress any tendency to stiffness or formality of outline is soon 

 done away with by the shoots and flowers. The application of 

 artificial manures to Sweet Peas growing in tubs is a matter 

 requiring the most careful attention. The least overdose will cause 

 the buds to turn yellow and fall off. This should be given only 

 when diluted with water according to the makers' recommendation. 

 This is safer than sprinkling the fertiliser directly on the soil and 

 watering it in ; and so far as Sweet Peas in tubs are concerned I 

 have found it most advisable. As to varieties, those already recom- 

 mended for the suburban garden are suitable. 



