THE GARDEN AT HOME 



to do more) is to scatter nitrate of soda on either side 

 the row of plants, using J ounce per yard run. Care 

 should be taken that the nitrate does not touch the 

 plants. While distasteful to the slugs, it stimulates the 

 growth of the Sweet Peas. 



There are many ways of supporting the plants, wire 

 trainers of various shapes now being made. The Simpli- 

 citas netting is to be recommended. But the old-fashioned 

 way of using hazel sticks is still scarcely excelled. The 

 Peas never look better than when supported by these. 



One may help the plants in various ways from the 

 month of March onwards. Hoeing the soil frequently, so 

 that the surface is kept loose, is one of the safest ways of 

 encouraging them to make progress, and applying artificial 

 manure is one of the least safe methods in unskilled hands. 

 The slightest overdose and alas ! the buds turn yellow and 

 fall off. But a little nitrate of soda scattered alongside 

 the rows once every ten days or so during May will help 

 them along finely, but as this fertiliser tends to 

 produce leaves at the expense of flowers, it must be 

 applied with care and not after the buds begin to show. 

 Half an ounce to each yard run of row is ample, and the 

 fertiliser should be watered in. 



Soot water is an excellent stimulant for Sweet Peas, 

 and gives a deep green colour to the leaves ; it is simply 

 obtained by soaking a peck bag of soot in a barrel holding 

 6 or 8 gallons of water. This liquid is one of the safest 

 of all fertilisers for the home gardener to use. The tub 



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