120 CULTIVATION FOR MARKET IN ENGLAND 



As a matter of fact, four days at a temperature of 90 deg. 

 ruins most of the outdoor Sweet Peas in the south of 

 England, for the plants turn hard and short jointed. 



Of course, much depends upon the preparation of the 

 ground and feeding. Poor soil cannot possibly produce 

 plants with vines an inch wide, and leaves four or more 

 inches across. The general preparation of the soil takes 

 place early in the year. Trenches about 3 ft. wide are 

 made, the soil being broken up and heavily manured to 

 the depth of 2 ft. or 3 ft. Dung in liberal quantities is 

 worked in, whilst the top spit is supplied with bone meal or 

 superphosphate of lime, and sulphate of potash a month 

 or so before planting. Potash is essential, while abun- 

 dance of lime must also be applied. Nitrogenous ferti- 

 lizers must be sparingly used. Very high feeding is ruinous, 

 and the grower can only find out what his ground will 

 stand by experience. Phosphate of ammonia and phos- 

 phate of potash in minute quantities, a quarter ounce of 

 each in 20 gallons of water, is a wonderful stimulant, but 

 it is unwise to feed plants until they have settled down to 

 bloom. 1 There are many special Sweet Pea fertilizers on 

 the market, but there is nothing better than soot and 

 tankage. Mulching with manure or spent hops is a 

 valuable help in hot weather, but the plants must never be 

 allowed to get dry at any period. Aphis, too, must be kept 

 down rigorously. 



