io6 PRESENT-DAY GARDENING 



and it will keep them firm and prevent them being blown 

 about by strong winds. 



Thinning. It will be found that autumn-sown plants 

 will break out pretty freely from the base, quite close to the 

 ground, and if the centre shoot does not appear to be 

 growing away kindly, cut this out, and take up two or three 

 of these basal shoots, but do not on any account overcrowd 

 them. When they are between 18 inches and 2 feet high, 

 bring the shoots to the outside of the stakes as advised, and 

 give a tie here and there to keep them in position. This 

 also applies to the spring-sown plants, except that the main 

 shoot in this case is sure to grow away freely, and it is 

 only necessary to supplement these according to the space 

 to be filled. One shoot every 4 or 6 inches is quite close 

 enough. As the plants make growth, keep the ground 

 hoed and apply soot at least every fortnight ; this will 

 stimulate the plants as well as protect them. Beyond 

 the shoots mentioned, keep all side growths pinched out 

 and tie the leaders as often as necessary ; but if good, 

 bushy, hazel sticks are used the tendrils will lay hold 

 of them well, so that the tying will not be a very formid- 

 able task. 



Mulching, Feeding, and Watering. The practice of 

 mulching Sweet Peas heavily with strong manure as soon as 

 they are staked is not to be recommended. At the time of 

 staking a sprinkling of well-decayed manure or leaf-mould 



