Page:The family kitchen gardener - containing plain and accurate descriptions of all the different species and varieties of culinary vegetables (IA familykitchengar56buis).pdf/101

 the season continue dry. It will greatly prevent mildew if the Peas are watered in continued droughts.

The following mode of staking the tall varieties of the Pea is both cheap and simple, and possesses many advantages. Procure a number of stakes, in length according to the height of the Peas, and drive them into the ground on each side of the row, at the distance of six feet; pass a small line of cotton, or Onion-twine, along the poles, taking a turn on each. As the Peas advance, raise the next line higher, and so on, till they have attained their full height. Two lines will be enough, as the one line can be raised over the other. The air can circulate better through the vines than by the common method of staking.

Peas can be successfully cultivated by artificial means, and a good crop produced either in pits or very gentle hot-beds. For this purpose Bishop's Early Dwarf is most suitable. Sow in pots or boxes, rather thickly, and place them close to the glass till they are sufficiently strong for transplanting, when they may be carefully taken out, with the roots as entire as possible, and planted in frames or pits, from front to back, in rows fifteen inches apart, and two inches from plant to plant. Give plenty of air by day, should the weather admit of it, but keep them well covered at night. It may be observed, that in whatever way Peas are raised for forcing, they should invariably be transplanted. The temperature should be from 40° to 60°. When they appear dry, moderate waterings will be necessary, more especially in time of bloom, and when the pods are setting and swelling. Those who pay some attention to the cultivation of this very luscious vegetable, can very readily have them on the table from May to November in all ordinary seasons.