Our pea harvest wasn't too good last year so this year we are hoping for better things.
We're mostly sticking with Meteor (which is supposed to be ideal for exposed sites, Onward and Progress No. 9 ( said to be early to crop). Just as a test we are also trying a tall growing variety - Alderman which is said to have excellent flavour. I think last year the plants grew too slowly to ward off the effects of the pea weevil attack so maybe controlling this pest better is something to look into.
We're mostly sticking with Meteor (which is supposed to be ideal for exposed sites, Onward and Progress No. 9 ( said to be early to crop). Just as a test we are also trying a tall growing variety - Alderman which is said to have excellent flavour. I think last year the plants grew too slowly to ward off the effects of the pea weevil attack so maybe controlling this pest better is something to look into.
We will also grow the mangetout variety Carouby de Maussane again which ended up maybe being the best performing pea last year. It didn't provide an abundant crop but it kept producing little and often, Intriguingly the plants growing in one part of the plot performed better than those in a different area. I'm not sure whether this was down to soil or positioning so we'll see what happens this year.
Now onto the beans. The beans did well last year and produced good crops. They're a pleasure to grow as they look as good in flower as many ornamental plants especially the runner beans. This year we are sticking to Enorma (red flowered) and Desiree (white flowered) and are trying St George (as you would guess from the name has red and white flowers). Why not consider the flower colour as well as the flavour and cropping performance.
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I tried St.George Runner Beans two years ago and wasn't very impressed. They seemed rather weak plants. Flower colour was nice, but there were not enough flowers for my liking, and so the crop was thin. I'm sticking with Scarlet Empire and Red Rum. This year I am not growing any peas at all, since they have consistently performed poorly in my garden even though I have tried several varieties. My seed peas left over from last year are destined for producing pea-shoots for salad use. Instead of peas I'm going to grow more Broad Beans. Hope you do well woth Cobra, btw. I'd be embarrassed if they didn't perform well, having recommended them so highly!
ReplyDeleteOh dear and the order has gone! At least we know that the other two varieties will perform, Mark and in many ways will produce enough of a crop.
DeleteIf Cobra fails we'll be heading down your way!
Some very healthy looking legumes in the photographs, Sue. I can definitely recommend Cobra. Runner beans gave me an excellent crop last year after a slow start. Scarlet Emperor is my favorite with Enorma a close second. I was planning sowing Peas this weekend under cloches but the rain has put paid to that. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteThe beans produced well, Rooko and although the peas looked fine the pods were few and far between.
DeleteNice range of choices as always, Sue. After a disastrous year* I'm drawing in the horns a bit on the legumes this year and growing what seed I have left over from last year and some old favourites (The Sutton, Painted Lady, Early Onwards). Soft fruit expansion is my current theme!
ReplyDelete*Our Sungold were good but challenged (sic) by the cold and wet. Canadian Wonder even more so. The runners never really got into production mode, although the broad beans were great. Climbing beans, French and Italian didn't like the Scottish climate. Peas - don't talk top me about peas...
NO the least said about the little round green things the better.
DeleteDo you suffer from weevil damage - not personally of course!
My peas were rubbish last year too, so I'm hoping for a better year this time round. I shall be growing runner beans from the start this year after making the mistake of not bothering last year. I was only going to grow French beans, but decided to put some runner beans in after the French beans were getting eaten by slugs.
ReplyDeleteRunner beans are more productive than French, Jo - well they are for us.
DeleteHave made a note of the mange tout and broad bean selection as I have yet to order mine for this year. Hope your legumes are a triumph!
ReplyDeleteBroad bean flowers are so decorative too, Janet and have a lovely perfume. I think when you are growing in a garden as you are the flowers are important as well as cropping and taste.
DeleteThe peas and beans look wonderful! Sue, your photos are causing me to long for the spring and summer :)I like your wordplay in the title :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Dewberry :)
DeleteIts Really Great Blog For Vegetable....
ReplyDeleteGood to see what you have selected as you are just down the road from me! I like Meteor peas, they were good for me last year. I also grew some great mangetout, oregon sugar pod which were really big and delicious.
ReplyDeleteI grew a purple climbing bean last year, Cosse Violette which gave me a great crop. I'm planning on more dwarf beans this year and more broad beans too. Will take notes. I like the crimson flowered variety.
WE have had success with Cosse Violette too Annie. Hoping for a better pea crop though
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