36 CULTURE OF THE SWEET PEA 



be dwarf and sturdy. Care must be em- 

 ployed in watering so that the soil does not 

 become sour; and watering the pots in 

 frames should be done in clear weather so 

 that the plants will dry off before night, 

 for if the night is frosty the plants may 

 suffer. In severe weather the frames must 

 be protected by mats and banked up with 

 manure. The frames must be kept well 

 ventilated, and as warm weather advances 

 the sash should be entirely removed during 

 the day. Proper handling during plant- 

 ing out will insure success. 



If the plants begin to form tendrils, a 

 few twigs should be inserted to support 

 the plants. Results of the neglect of this 

 important requirement will be apparent 

 later in the season. Except when grown 

 for market purposes, for which earliness 

 is an important consideration, it is advis- 

 able for the amateur to delay the sowing 



