258 The Profitable Culture of Vegetables. 



if that operation has not been performed within the past three 

 years) and left ridged up so that as much surface as possible 

 will be exposed, to be pulverised and sweetened by the frost. 

 When Peas are to be sown between rows of standing crops, 

 such as cabbages, the space allotted to them should be ploughed 

 or forked over so that the soil will become sweet and crumbly 

 against seeding time. Lime in the soil is essential to the 

 healthy growth of Peas, and where this is lacking or is present 

 in insufficient quantity it should be spread on the surface as 

 soon as the soil is turned over, at the rate of from 3 to 5 tons . 

 per acre. 



Sowing in Pots. Where there is convenience for the work 

 the best and most certain way to secure early crops is to start 

 the Peas in pots in frames, and thus be in a position to set out 

 strong well-hardened plants in the latter part of March or early 

 in April. By this means a crop is assured which will, as a rule, 

 be ready for gathering from ten to fifteen days in advance of 

 any sown in the open-air. To do this, fill some hundreds of 

 large 60's (3in.) pots half full of soil, then on this put eight or 

 ten seeds, fill up to within |in. of the top with more soil, and 

 water well. This work can be done either early in November 

 or at the beginning of January, according to whether the pots 

 are to be stood in a cold frame or on a gentle hot-bed. There 

 is no better way of raising them than in a cold frame, where 

 they make fine sturdy plants by the time they are wanted, 

 without expense or trouble beyond an occasional covering with 

 mats during a severe spell of weather, and judicious ventilation 

 on all fine days. When they are sown in January the heat in 

 the bed should not exceed 50 degrees, which will gradually 

 decline with their growth until they will be standing on a cold 

 bed before planting-out time arrives. The pots should be stood 

 close together and within 6 or 8 inches of the glass. Be careful 

 not to have the bed too warm, or the Peas will grow weakly 

 and bloom badly ; they should be grown slowly and steadily, 

 with all the light and air possible, and strong, vigorous plants 

 will then be the result. 



The plants should be set out during mild weather any time 

 after the middle of March. Make a shallow trench and turn 

 out each potful without disturbing the roots, placing them 



