The Bozeman courier. (Bozeman, Mont.) 1919-1954, 1926-04-30

points out that most of the crop pro-
duced in the state is used for seed to
supply the needs OF the large pea
growing districts in the east which
supply the canneries. A considerable
acreage in the state is also devoted
to growing seed of the garden varie-
ties of peas. But a small percentage
Of the total crOp grown here goes di-
rect to the canneries, approximately
5000 acres being sufficient to sup.
by the two canning establishments
now in operation. Pans are under
way for starting a third cannery in
the near future, so that there are
possibilities that this branch will be
expanded.
Most of the seed peas grown in the
state are grown under contract with
seed houses or canning companies
and the contract designates the var
ETY. to be grown and the price to be
paid. Prices paid for canning var
ieties during the past three years
range from $2.25 to $3.50 per 100
pounds, depending upon the year and
the variety grown. Prices for garden
varieties ranged from $3.50 to SIS
per 100 pounds.
For best results with seed peas I'M
der conditions found in most of the
important valleys of the state where
this crop can be grown successfully
Mr.. Mckee suggests using fall plOw-
ed land, left over the winter in the
rough, and worked into shape as
cary in the spring, as possible. Heavy
land, in particular, should be plOWed
in the fall as alternate freezing and
thawing through the winter, tOgeth-
er with the decay of organic matter
are excellent agents for imp rowing
the physical condition of the sail. Fall
pOwing may sometimes be seeded
from a week to ten days earlier than
is possible if the land must be plowed
in the spring. If spring blowing is
necessary, the land should be harrow
ed as plOwed in order to prevent the
formation Of clOds and to conserve
as much moisture as possible.
In view Of the fact that the crop
often receives no cultivation after the
seed is sown, the seed bed must be
carefully prepared. Thorough till
age before seeding will aid materially
in eradicating the weeds and make
conditions more favorable for govern.
ing the water content of the soil dur
ing the growing season. Growers will
find it desirable in preparing the seeC
bed to maintain a smooth surface IL
order that there may be no ridges anC
depressiOns to interfere with irriga
ton and with the use of mower il
harvesting the peas.
The time of planting peas for thu
production of seed is largely depend
ent upon the locality, the weather
soil conditions and the variety plant
ed. Peas grow well in cool weather
and will even Withstand frost. How
ever, hard freezes will do consider
able damage to the crop. Peas shOulr
be planted as early in the spring a
a good, clean seed bed can be prepaT
ed and after damage of severe frOs
is over. Under Gallatin valley con
ditiOns the seed firms advise tina
their growers begin planting the late
maturing varieties about May 1 an
to follow up with the early varietie
so as to have them in the ground no
later than June 1. The Montana E1
pertinent Station has conducted e.
periments with two varieties of pea
over a six-year period. Seedlings weI
made one week apart from April 1
to June 4 and it was found that tn
average yield for the first tire
paintings was 5.4 bushels per acl
more than for the last three.
In seasons which prove to /
warmer than normal, the early seeO