SWEET PEAS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 June 1939, Page 3

SWEET PEAS

METHOD OF CULTURE. The finest flowers are obtained from autumn-sown plants. To avoid danger of the soil becoming sour before the plants are ready to make rapid growth, and to protect from the ravages of slugs, snails, etc. The plants are raised in pots and boxes, and are' planted out in July and August. Plants that have been raised in open ground can be transplanted as easily as those raised in boxes; the seedlings lift without any soil, but the root system is good, and they take to the soil quite freely.

In the meantime if fine blooms are expected the soil should be prepared well in advance of planting time. Perfect drainage is essential, and deep trenching. New soil is of great advantage. The top spit of old pasture or grass land is mostly of excellent quality; even if it is considered poor, that is of no consequence, fertilisers can be applied later. This soil is excellent for mixing with the soil in old gardens, or. in the case of sweet peas, for replacing it, a trench being taken out, the old soil being replaced with new. The trench should be two to three feet deep. In the bottom a layer of weeds or old grass can be placed. With the soil, incorporate plenty of stable or cow manure and also a fair amount of bonedust. Mix the soil and manure together before refilling the trench. The chief thing that is wanted is decaying humus, which will encourage the roots to run deep down.