Peas

judy's picture
judy Posted at 08:18 on Sun, 08/06/2008
Tags:
Intro
Intro picture: 
Intro: 

Peas are climbers with strong tendrils and old varieties can reach heights of more than 2 metres (6ft). They’re grouped by the time they take to mature – earlies take about 12 weeks, second earlies 13-14 weeks and maincrops 15-16 weeks.

Location and soil
Type of soil: 

Peas like rich soil with added compost.

Location: 

They prefer a damp cool spot, with some light shade

Sowing seeds
Seed picture: 
Sowing seeds: 

Sowing seeds in a single row (or pair of rows 12 inches apart) works best for taller varieties because it makes it easier to support them, and increases ventilation around the plants, which helps prevent mildew.

Plant in a drill about 2 to 3 inches apart and cover with cloches.

Sow earlies throughout the summer from early spring. If the weather’s still cold when you sow, you could warm it by covering with polythene before sowing and then protect the seedlings with fleece.

Looking after the crop
General care: 

They don’t like hot weather and need lots of watering. Mulch around the base when they are 6 inches tall.

For a steady supply, sow an early variety every four weeks until midsummer. Or make one sowing of an early, second early and maincrop variety, which will each mature at different times.

Supports must be really sturdy and put in before the young plants flop over

Harvesting the crop
Harvesting: 

Harvest often, picking from the bottom up

Varieties
Variety description: 

Earlies: Early Onward, Kelvedon Wonder

Variety description: 

Late: Hurst Greenshaft, Ambassador

Pests
Pest or disease: 

Tiny pea moth caterpillars can grow inside the pods of mid-season crops where they feed on the peas. Protect with insect-proof mesh.

Pest or disease: 

Mice and birds will eat pea seeds and seedlings. Use traps under upturned seed trays to catch mice and deter birds by protecting young plants with chicken wire.

I find that using supports

fordadie Posted at 22:46 on Sun, 04/05/2009

I find that using supports that have of little branches on such as last years dead fushia stalks best for peas as this incourges the peas to spread out further and give you an increased crop!