EARLY PEAS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 June 1939, Page 5

EARLY PEAS

SOW NOW IN SHELTERED SPOT. In favoured situations, where a fairly warm, dr>' and sheltered border is available, a small sowing should bo made now of ohe of the first early round-seeded varieties. The ground should be prepared by digging two spits deep, and liberally enriched with manure. After the surface has been suitably prepared, drills should be taken out with a hoe or spade, making them three or four inches wide and two-and-a-half to three inches deep, according to the texture of the soil. On heavy soils the former depth, or even a little less, will suffice, whereas in light, sandy soils the full depth should be allowed. Plenty of space should be allowed between the rows so that there is never any danger of overcrowding. At least the full distance corresponding with the height of the variety of pea selected should be'allowed. The seed must be sown fairly thickly at this season to make allowance for any wastage through various causes, eventually thinning the young seedlings to two inches apart each way in the spring. Provision must be made to ward off any attacks from vermin. The seeds should then be covered with old patting soil, that has been kept dry under cover for the purpose, and the surface raked level and left tidy. Little more attention will be required until the seedlings appear through the ground, when the soil between the rows should be lightly pricked up, a little soil drawn up to the plants on each side of the row, and the plants protected with short sticks.