98 PRESENT-DAY GARDENING 



As soon as the plants begin to grow in the spring 

 they will require staking, but this matter will be treated 

 of later. 



Spring Sowing Out-of-doors. This is similar to autumn 

 sowing, and may be done in light soils during February, 

 but, generally speaking, early in March is the better time. 

 There is then not much fear of losses by frost, the only 

 critical time being when the seedling is just pushing out 

 its young shoots ; then, if the conditions are wet and a 

 severe frost sets in, they are apt to get frozen, but once 

 they pass through the ground any ordinary frost will not 

 injure them in the least. The general instructions given 

 for the autumn sowing apply equally well to this sowing. 

 I have never seen Peas sown out-of-doors, even in spring, 

 grow so strongly or give such good results as those sown 

 indoors and planted out. 



Preparation of the Ground. This work is most essen- 

 tial in the successful cultivation of Sweet Peas, for nothing 

 that can be done afterwards will compensate for neglect in 

 this matter. A few extra hours' work, or an extra load of 

 manure, will be more than repaid by the better results. 



In choosing a position for growing exhibition Peas, 

 endeavour to secure a piece of ground that is fairly exposed 

 and which has not grown any leguminous plants for a 

 year or two. If it is sheltered on one or two sides from 

 the cold winds, then so much the better ; and a little shade 





