MULCHING REQUIRES CARE 107 



may be given between the two lots of plants forming the 

 rows, also for about 6 inches on either side, but beyond 

 this I do not believe in it unless there is very protracted 

 dry weather. Hoeing has effects quite as good ; it keeps 

 the plants steadier, and does not tend to make them sappy, 

 as is the case with a heavy mulch. In heavy soils it takes 

 a long time for the sun to thoroughly warm the ground, and 

 unless it is thoroughly warm, good-quality Peas cannot be 

 obtained from it. Therefore do not mulch the rows until 

 flowering has well commenced and there is hot, dry weather. 

 On lighter soils mulching may be done earlier, but on 

 either class of soil choose moss litter or a mulch of light 

 manure, such as fairly fresh horse-droppings mixed with 

 leaf -soil, rather than heavier material. This mulch can be 

 hoed over in much the same way as the soil, but after it has 

 been on some time and the plants are doing well, roots will 

 be found running very freely among the manure. The 

 hoeing must then cease, and a little more material may be 

 added, but do not on any account use short grass-mowings 

 except in very small quantities, for in wet weather they 

 form a slimy mass and hinder the air from getting to 

 the roots. 



Sweet Peas are gross feeders, but if the soil is thoroughly 

 well tilled and manured they do not like too much manure 

 afterwards, for if the roots can find plenty of food in their 

 journey downwards the plants will keep very strong for some 



