CULTIVATING, MANURING AND WATERING 



Now, as to the kind of manure to apply. We 

 know that growers of experience have their own pet 

 manures and mixtures, but the following may all be 

 relied upon. One of the least expensive, and one which 

 at the same time almost serves a double purpose by both 

 feeding the plant and acting as an insecticide, is soot. 

 Place about a^peck of soot in a bag and let it dissolve 

 for a few hours in an old tub or barrel filled with water. 

 Guano may be used in the proportion of one pound to 

 twenty gallons of water; or sulphate of potash, one 

 ounce to one gallon of water. Farmyard liquid manure, 

 used about the color of weak tea, is also of service; 

 acid phosphate or superphosphate of lime, used as a 

 liquid, dissolving at the rate of half an ounce to one 

 gallon of water. Also sulphate of potash, used in con- 

 junction and at the same rate, will help the plants con- 

 siderably. The majority of growers consider the use of 

 nitrate of soda dangerous to the well-being of Sweet 

 Peas, though I believe there are times when it may be 

 used to advantage; for instance, if the vines have a 

 stunted appearance, and instead of making fresh growth, 

 are at a stand. In such a case I advocate using nitrate 

 at the rate of quarter of an ounce to one gallon of water. 

 When using liquid manure, it is well to let it follow a 

 thorough soaking with clear water, that the fertilizing 

 material may penetrate to the lowest roots, and if 

 possible all watering should be done after the sun has 

 gone down, as this will to a great extent save the crack- 

 ing of the soil and allow the plants to get the full benefit 

 of the moisture. Spraying the vines overhead in the 

 cool of the evening will be found to benefit the plants 

 during a hot, dry spell. 



