The Culture of Vegetables 



turf, and cover with fine earth. By keeping the frame closed a more 

 regular sprouting of the seed will be insured ; but as soon as the plants 

 rise, air must be given, and this part of the business needs to be 

 regulated in accordance with the weather. All now depends on the 

 cultivator, for, having a very large command of conditions, it may be 

 said that he is removed somewhat from the sport of the elements, 

 which wrecks many of our endeavours. There are now three points 

 to be kept in mind. In the first place, a short stout slow-growing 

 plant is wanted, for a tall lean fast-growing plant will at the end of 

 the story refuse to furnish the dish of Peas aimed at. Give air and 

 water judiciously, and protect from vermin and all other enemies. 

 A little dry lime or soot may be dusted over the plants occasionally, 

 but not sufficient to choke the leaves. All going well, plant out 

 in the month of March or April, on ground prepared for the purpose, 

 and laying the plant-bearing turves in strips, without any disturbance 

 whatever of the roots. Then earth them up with fine stuff from 

 between the rows, and put sticks to support and shelter them. 



A more troublesome, but often a safer method, is to raise the 

 plants in pots. We object to the plan that prevails in some gardens 

 of sowing round the sides of large pots, and then opening out the ball 

 to make the Peas meet in line. That many practise this plan with 

 success is true, and we leave the masters of the business to their own 

 devices. But those who are not masters of the business may be 

 advised to sow in what are called 54-sized pots, but at the utmost 

 48-size (5-inch) is, in our opinion, the largest allowable. The details 

 of management need not detain us. The object of the cultivator 

 should be to obtain a sturdy plant, and there should be no ' pushing,' 

 unless the desire be to illustrate the proverb ' The more haste the 

 less speed.' Plant out from the pots into the rows by the aid of a 

 trowel, at one foot apart, without breaking the balls, earth up 

 tenderly, and by putting stakes at once the work is almost finished. 

 All that remains is to visit them daily, and as soon as they show 

 flower nip out the tops. 



Main crops require plenty of room, and that is really the chief 

 point in growing them. We will suppose the ground to be well pre- 

 pared as already advised; the next matter of importance is the 

 distance between the rows. The market gardener is usually under 

 some kind of compulsion to sow Peas in solid pieces, just far enough 

 apart for fair growth, and to leave them to sprawl instead of being 

 staked, because of the cost of the proceeding. But the garden that 

 supplies a household is not subject to the severe conditions of com- 



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