46 MARKET NURSERY WORK 



and finished with, when they are potted, without disturbing 

 their roots, into g-inch pots. Those to whom Q-inch pots are 

 an object to be considered, separate the plants and dibble 

 them singly into conveniently placed rows, and so grow them 

 to the end, but we prefer the pot system ourselves. For one 

 thing, the pot plants flower earlier, and time is the essence of 

 success. For another, we can move pots about if so disposed 

 if they interfere with the tomatoes. 



Son, AND POTTING 



The pots must have ample drainage, and though the pea 

 does not ask for nitrogenous manure, a little old cow manure 

 on the crocks has a good mechanical effect in holding moisture 

 where it can do nothing but good. The compost should be a 

 light loam with leaf soil, and sand and crushed bone added. 

 Fill the pots about three-parts full to allow room for top dressing 

 later, and in pressing the soil well down see that it is not rendered 

 hard and impervious. 



When the young plants have fairly started they should be 

 supported and encouraged by using some twigs of brushwood 

 until such time as they can be either properly sticked or strung. 

 Though the use of strings immobilises the pots, we are bound 

 to say we prefer them to ordinary pea sticks, because of the 

 extra light and the greater facility in getting amongst them, 

 and also because they are so much neater. 



At midwinter great care must be observed in the watering, 

 as the time of year suggests that it is not healthy to make 

 things too wet. Water only when dry, but do not alternate 

 dryness and wetness, or mildew, the greatest enemy to winter 

 peas, will soon make its appearance. Keep the temperature 

 of the house at not more than " temperate " and admit fresh 

 air every day, for nothing is gained by forcing a weak and 

 spindly growth. There is no occasion for excessive haste, 

 for the blooms are not wanted before the beginning of March, 

 at which date we aim for ours to be well in bud. During the 

 ensuing six weeks bunches are cut every day, beginning with 

 very few, but increasing by leaps and bounds as the sunny 

 days come and the plants increase in size. That six weeks 



