EARLY PEAS

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 128, 2 June 1938, Page 26

EARLY PEAS

In warm districts where frosts are practically unknown early sowings of peas are worth trying. The quick maturing varieties should be sown at this season, "W. F. Massey" being as good as any. The early varieties are dwarf growing and not as heavy croppers as the later kinds, and for this reason many gardeners do not bother with them, but their early maturity makes them worth while. In addition they do not require supports. The second early varieties are much heavier croppers and take, about two or three weeks longer'to bear. The main crop varieties such as "Greenfeast," "Southern Cross," and "Coronation" are all large-podded peas with splendid flavour and are very productive. . .. In mild climates the three varieties ■may be sown at the same time and will come on in succession. For winter culture the rows should 'be ridged up and for preference run north and south to admit all the sunlight possible during the day. For the dwarf-growing varieties the rows can be eighteen .inches to two feet apart; the others require three to four feet; but in the latter case a row or two of lettuces can be grown between the rows. Sow peas two to three inches apart and about an men and a half deep. Make the soil Arm both below and above the seed. The tall varieties must be staked or supported in some way and even with the dwarf growing kinds it will pay to keep the plants off the ground as much as possible.