SWEET PEAS UP TO DATE 



tion of the sub-soil it may be advisable to break up the 

 bottom with a pick or even to add drainage in the shape 

 of clinkers, stone, etc. No hard and fast rule can be 

 laid down for this, as it all depends on the situation of 

 the house, drainage, natural soil at the bottom of the 

 . bed, etc. 



Put in the manure with no niggardly hand if it is 

 thoroughly rotted, but keep it well in the second spit, 

 also incorporate fine bone meal at the rate of two ounces 

 per square yard and a little Scotch soot, using these in 

 the top spit. When all is finished give the bed a dress- 

 ing of freshly slaked lime, afterwards raking or pointing 

 it in. 



If there is any doubt as to the perfect condition of 

 the soil it had better be changed. Use good fresh loam 

 of a medium nature that is, neither too heavy nor yet 

 light and sandy and add manure and fertilizers as sug- 

 gested. The beds should, where possible, be prepared 

 a few weeks previous to sowing or planting, that the 

 soil may naturally settle. 



*$ 



SEED SOWING 



Sow the seed very thinly say one inch apart in 

 boxes containing sharp sand only. This will insure 

 perfect germination, and obviate all risk of seed rotting. 

 When sowing cover the seed not more than half an inch. 

 Water thoroughly and cover with paper to prevent the 

 rapid evaporation of moisture. After having tried all 

 plans I could think of, I have proved this to be the most 

 perfect method. 



If some varieties are slow in starting it is a simple 

 matter to find the seed in the sand, when they should 



26 



