SWEET PEAS UP TO DATE 



least twelve inches high, but be careful that they are 

 kept upright during all stages of growth, as when they 

 are allowed to sprawl along the ground they run the 

 risk of being trampled upon or twisted and injured by 

 wind, and it is in the earlier days that the welfare of the 

 plants must be most carefully guarded if success is to 

 be obtained. 



In training the shoots they should be at least four 

 inches apart, according to the space at disposal. 



On the approach of warm weather do not omit to 

 give the plants a good mulch of strawy farmyard 

 manure, and follow immediately with a thorough soak- 

 ing of water. 



In applying water throughout the season the grower 

 will be guided by weather and soil conditions, but the 

 plants must not be allowed to suffer for lack of moisture. 

 On no account give water in driblets either a thorough 

 soaking or none at all. On light porous soils water may 

 safely be given during a dry spell at least twice a week, 

 and on heavier and more retentive soils once a week. 

 When flowers appear liquid manures should also be 

 used, but given rather weak to begin with. Sheep or 

 cow manure, made by steeping it in a tub or barrel, or 

 taken from the farm cesspool and well diluted, will be 

 found excellent, and this may be changed occasionally 

 for artificials. Superphosphate (acid phosphate), one 

 ounce to a gallon of water. Sulphate of potash, 

 nitrate of potash, half an ounce to a gallon of water. 

 Nitrate of soda should be given only if the plants re- 

 quire a special "pick me up" towards the end of the 

 season. 



To give flowers extra fine color I believe there is 

 nothing to surpass soot (the real Scotch imported 



32 



