PEAS 



765 



levelled, the lines drawn, and the seed sown. This plan was 

 followed every year, and there always were fine crops of good- 

 sized bulbs which invariably kept well. 



PEAS 



With every suitable appliance the Pea season in the British 

 Isles may extend from the middle or end of June until the end of 

 October, and in exceptional seasons as late as the second week in 

 November. Peas gathered earlier than the period stated are 

 grown under glass,^ and the very late peas are, as already stated, 

 mainly dependent upon the season. The best months for Peas 

 are June, July, and August. In warm situations the produce of 

 the early south border begins to turn in about the end of May, 

 and green peas are common enough in June, but July and August 

 are the months for Marrow Peas. In August and September, 

 unless the land is good and the treatment liberal, and first-rate in 

 every respect, there is always the possibility of a falling off both 

 in regard to crop and quality, so that after July successful returns 

 are mainly contingent on good cultivation, as shall be presently 

 shown. 



The First Early Peas. — These, where glass is sufficient to 

 allow for their culture, will comprise several batches in pots of 

 8 in. and 10 in. size. The seed should be sown the first week 

 in January, varieties to consist of approved dwarf and half-dwarf 

 early kinds. The plants should be brought on steadily in a pit or 

 house close to the glass with just the smallest amount of artificial 

 warmth, as Peas do not force well. A steady regular growth in 

 a very light position, with a temperature never exceeding 45" to 

 50° at night, will be best. Ventilation must be given on every 

 suitable opportunity. 



The first sowing in the open air may take place the first or 

 second weeks in November, provided the locality is favourable 

 and the soil well drained and warm. Under less favourable con- 

 ditions it is best not to make the first sowing until January, the 

 time for doing so varying according to climatic conditions. In 

 cold, wet districts February is quite early enough to sow outside. 

 Very frequently first early Peas are raised under glass, and when 

 hardened off are planted as early in March as the weather permits. 

 The seed of some favoured variety is sown in pots, troughs, or on 

 sods of turf, and placed in heat, when they soon germinate, when in 

 due course the plants are hardened off and planted on a warm 

 south border at the time mentioned. A ridge of earth is drawn 

 up on each side of the rows as a shelter, and a few evergreen 

 boughs are worked in amongst the ordinary sticks to afford 

 additional protection. To keep up a regular supply there must 

 be frequent sowings. But taking account of, and giving due 



