CUT-FLOWER CROPS 295 



the surface and plant the seed. Many growers sow the 

 seed in a broad trench, covering them with about two 

 inches of soil. The seed may be sown in single or double 

 rows. The trench should be open for about six weeks, 

 and then gradually filled in, as the plants develop. Other 

 growers plant on the level, and have excellent results. 



416. Supports. As soon as the seeds are sown, the 

 supports should be placed. If they are not put in place 

 until after the plants have germinated, the seedlings may 

 be injured. For small areas there is nothing better than 

 white birch boughs from four to six feet in length and 

 filled with twigs. In many sections where boughs are 

 not available, wire netting is used for the support. In 

 this case, the mesh of the wire should be large, and strongly 

 supported. The chief objection to wire netting is that in 

 high temperatures it becomes heated, thus injuring the 

 tender growth. 



417. Cultivation. During the summer, sweet peas 

 should be cultivated frequently. This is necessary to 

 maintain sufficient moisture in the soil, especially during 

 a drought. As soon as the ground can be worked after a 

 heavy rain, a hand cultivator should be run through the 

 rows, and a soil mulch formed. During July, it is well 

 to use a surface mulch of some strawy material, to prevent 

 the drying out of the soil. 



418. Feeding. After sweet peas are in full flower, 

 fertilizers may be applied. A weak application of liquid 

 manure maintains the size of the individual flowers and 

 the length of the stems for a considerable time. 



419. Picking flowers. The flowers should be kept 

 picked, for they mature quickly, and if allowed to go to 

 seed, there is a dwarfing of the plant, and consequently, 

 a shortening of the flower-stems. 



