CHAPTER IX 



Cultivation in the Open Air 



The cultivation of Sweet Peas in the open ground out 

 of doors is simpler than in the case of the indoor crop. The 

 fundamental principles are similar: the ground should be 

 as well prepared and as liberally treated; the seeding ought 

 to be as carefully done or the planting, if seedling plants 

 are put out; while the staking, tying and keeping the 

 plants clean and free of insects, and dewing them and 

 watering them in dry weather is equally important and 

 does not differ materially from the same practices applied 

 under glass. As a rule, the outdoor crop, though profit- 

 able, does not get all the care its value deserves, and there 

 is no reason why this should be. 



Sowing in Autumn is not very frequently undertaken, 

 but it can be done. Sow the seeds almost level with the 

 surface of the ground at about 2 in. apart, and when they 

 have appeared, draw up the soil on either side of the row 

 to prevent water from collecting or standing around the 

 neck of the plants, and so cause them to damp. For Win- 

 ter grown outdoor Peas the soil must be specially well 

 drained. 



After the first sharp frost has occurred, a mulch of light, 

 strawy manure is placed over the row, and the plants are 

 not again exposed to light until Spring begins to open up. 

 With the return of the warmer weather the plants should 

 then be examined and the mulch removed, but it should 

 be kept near at hand, or between the rows, so as to be 

 strewn over the plants if necessary. It is doubtful if 



