Heavy ground should be dressed with seven pounds of basic slag in autumn and two pounds of sulphate of potash in spring.  On light soils apply in spring four pounds of superphosphate of lime and two pounds of sulphate of potash.  The quantities stated in each case are sufficient for a square pole of ground.  Wood ashes (in a dry state) are also of great value, and these should be raked in a little in advance of planting out.

The special preparation of the soil just described entails the raising of plants in pots or boxes in readiness for transfer to the open as early as weather permits in spring.  The finest flowers are undoubtedly obtained from an autumn sowing, and about the middle of September may be regarded as the best period for putting in the seed.  This early commencement possesses the advantage of allowing ample time for the development of sturdy, well-rooted plants, which will not only bloom in advance of those sown in spring but will remain in flower for an unusually long period.  Sow in light porous soil, and either three-inch pots, pans or boxes may be used.  Place in a cold frame and keep the lights down until the seeds have germinated, but afterwards the frame should never be closed except during severe weather.  There must be no misunderstanding on the question of air-giving.  The Sweet Pea is almost hardy, and robust healthy seedlings, grown as nearly as possible under natural conditions, are wanted.  Therefore to subject the plant to artificial heat will only defeat the object in view.  A current of air should be admitted to the frame day and night, and the lights may be entirely removed on all favourable occasions.  But the seedlings will need protection from excessive moisture, for if too wet at the roots they are liable to injury from frost.  When four pairs of leaves are formed, stop each plant once, and after a little further progress has been made transplant singly into three-inch pots.  Keep the pots in the frame, giving only such protection from hard weather as may be absolutely necessary, and plant out on the first suitable opportunity.  In the South transplanting may be possible late in February or at the opening of March, but a month later will be safer in districts north of the Trent.

Those who for any reason do not find it convenient to sow in autumn may start the seed early in the year—­from mid-January onwards, according to the district.  The general principles described in the preceding paragraph apply equally to spring sowings, but it may be well to say that there must be no attempt to hasten growth by the application of a high temperature.  A frame will afford all the protection necessary, and even a box covered with glass and placed in a sheltered spot will be found serviceable for raising seedlings.