Work in the Garden

Lake County Mail, Issue 40, 10 March 1948, Page 7

Work in the Garden

The Queen of Annuals The Queen of Annuals Is the title frequently given the “ Sweet Pea,” and I can think of no other subject more worthy of this honour. Sweet peas are easy of culture and are seldom troubled by disease. The ideal soil is a friable loam of good depth, but they will do well in all but excessively wet or extremely dry conditions. They do not like shade in which the plants soon become drawn and subject to mildew. Select a sunny position which is sheltered from strong damaging winds. There are numerous methods suitable for training these plants. The most important point to remember is the heavy weight of foliage when caught by wind or wet with rain. They may grow as high as eight feet, but fences of this height require to be very strong. The usual height for a fence is six feet, consisting of stout posts four inches in diameter and eight and a-half to nine feet long. They should be spaced ten feet apart and it is an advantage to place a “foot” of wood at the bottom and a “breast” just below ground level. These will strengthen the fence against side movement and stout “stays” or “ tiebacks ” must lie used at the ends to keep the fence tight. Number eight or nine gauge wires should be used at the top, the bottom, and half way up. Sheep netting is probably the best and strongest material for the plants to climb up. and it is easier to remove the dead plants from large-mesh wire. In many gardens the east or north facing of a boundary fence is the most suitable. In this case wire of No. 10 or 12 gauge may be run along and vertical wires or twine may be attached to these, one foot apart, for the plants to climb. With either fence it is essential that posts should not be loosened by deep digging close to the base. Manuka brush stakes may be used in groups and tied together or, if in rows, secure to a wire. Preparation of Ground A trench two feet or more wide should be thoroughly prepared. The width depends a great deal on the nature of the soil or width of the bor-

der. A narrow border is excellent for sweet peas, in that plants bear flowers almost from the ground upwards, and that ease of access foi picking and the removal of spent flowers is a distinct advantage. A narrow trench in clay soil would result in the formation of a trough which would fill almost to ground level in wet weather. Drainage is essential to prevent this. The trenches should be dug at least two spits deep, that is, the first spade depth of top soil should be removed to the place where the digging will finish. The second spade depth should be turned over in the trench at the same time mixing in a good dressing of well-rotted farmyard manure or compost. Do not put this material in in layers but mix it thoroughly with the soil. This will ensure the full development of a good root system, keep the soil more open, and ensure a uniform top-growth. It is advisable to have this work done well in advance to allow the soil to settle before planting. A surface dressing of lime may be applied at the rate of about 4oz per square yard, particularly if the soil is stiff or clayey in nature. In 'most parts of New Zealand seed may be sown in the autumn, preferably in March, to enable the plants to develop before winter. There are two classes of seed. Those with black coats are slow to ' germinate, and it is an advantage to chip or file the seed-coat o)i the side of the seed opposite to the small scar. Another method is to soak the seed in water for 24 hours to soften the seed-coat prior to planting. The light-coloured or spcckfed-coated seeds need 116 assistance. It is desirable that the plants should be one foot apart in order to furnish the fence thoroughly. Those for exhibition purposes may be 18 inches apart, but will not give such a mass of colour. If seed is sown, then it is wise to sow from four to six inches apart and thin later if necessary. The sweet pea border may appear rather bare in the early spring and it, is an advantage to plant another crop to give early colour, such as winter-flowered pansies or anemones. Hyacinths may also be planted if the border is ready in March.