880 SATURDAY IN MY GARDEN 



few pieces of wood, some strong black thread and a few nails. A 

 more primitive method is that hi common use. This is to insert 

 a few short stakes at either end of the rows, to tie one end of a 

 reel of thread to one of the stakes and to pass it backwards and 

 forwards, over the peas, making it fast at each stake as the work 

 proceeds. 



Figure 5 shows the proper method of staking peas, and Figure 6 

 indicates how the thin and wiry tops of the pea-sticks may be 

 used to give support to the plants in their early stages. 



Peas require generous feeding. In Figure 7 the results of a 

 good mulching are indicated. The mulching consists of placing 

 a layer of rich manure along each side of the row, and the sketch 

 shows the effects in a fine, vigorous top-growth and an excellent 

 production of root. 



In periods of dry weather watering must be resorted to, and 

 while one is about it it is well to ensure that the soil is brought into 

 a thoroughly moist condition. Dryness at the roots means that the 

 supply of food to the plants is arrested, and it is only by supply- 

 ing moisture copiously at such tunes that the plants can be kept 

 growing healthily. Where soft rain-water can be obtained it 

 should always be used in preference to tap water. Surface hoe- 

 ings along the sides of the rows will help to retard evaporation in 

 the soil and will postpone for a time the necessity for supplying 

 water to the roots. But whatever means are adopted it is essen- 

 tial that the roots shall not want for moisture, especially at that 

 season of the plant's development when it is putting forth its 

 flowers or forming its pods. 



Both scarlet runners and dwarf beans may be sown with perfect 

 safety out of doors from the middle of May. Their cultivation is so 

 simple that it is not surprising to find them growing in almost 

 every amateur's garden. Runner beans especially have a decora- 

 tive as well as a utilitarian value, which makes their popularity 

 easily understood. 



In many small gardens the old and well-tried plan of growing 

 them in straight rows across the broadest bed in the kitchen 

 garden, and formally in straight lines along a stretch of bare fence, 



