64 VEGETABLE GAKDENING. 



with the rake held in an upright position, if the 

 ground is not too wet. This consolidates the soil 

 about and over the seeds, and promotes stronger and 

 sturdier growth in the early stages, which benefits 

 the crop later. Finish by raking the ground level. 

 The first sowings of peas that are through the ground 

 early in the season may have some soil drawn up 

 along the sides of the rows temporarily as a protec- 

 tion against cold winds. This can readily be raked 

 down later before the supports are placed in posi- 

 tion. Generally, peas are best grown on the level 

 soil, and no earthing-up practised. Earthing-up the 

 rows is unnecessary, and in a naturally dry soil is 

 distinctly objectionable. 



In late spring and early summer, when sowing in 

 dry soil and weather conditions, it is a good plan to 

 soak the seed in water for about ten hours before 

 sowing. This at once sets up the necessary chemical 

 changes in the seeds, hastens the process of germina- 

 tion, and provides sufficient moisture to carry the 

 young seedlings through the first stages until roots 

 are formed to penetrate downwards into moist soil. 

 Under dry conditions it promotes a more vigorous 

 germination and results in stronger plants. 



Staking of Peas. Suitable branch stakes are un- 

 doubtedly the best where they are procurable, and 

 these should be placed in position when the plants 

 are only a few inches high, and inserted in such a 

 way that a clear, open space is retained at the top, 

 between the two rows of stakes. When branch 

 stakes are difficult to get, stout canes or stakes may 

 be inserted at wide intervals, and string stretched 

 along the sides of the rows, twining it round the 



