We do seem to have developed a trend for poor pea growth. We used to be able to grow lots of strong healthy peas but over the last couple of years or so this ability seems to be deserting us.
Our first lot of seeds were planted in pots and transplanted. Like the carrots this year we are planting in 'trenches' cut into weed control fabric and this is definitely cutting down the weeds. Weeding around pea plants can be a problem as the plants are easily uprooted along with the weeds. There doesn't appear to be any detrimental effect on the peas which are growing as they have in previous years.
The first lot planted are now setting the first pods but the plants don't look as bushy as I would like with some lower leaves yellowing.
The first lot planted are now setting the first pods but the plants don't look as bushy as I would like with some lower leaves yellowing.
Another row of peas were sown directly alongside this batch and are germinating well. I wonder whether these will produce better plants.
A fourth batch have been sown direct and is just starting to come through although there are gaps in germination and we suspect something has been nibbling.
If you want to check on any varieties of seeds that we sow, we have a full list here.
Posts
I only sowed one batch of pea seeds, and they were reluctant to germinate, I haven't bothered again. I've got some mange tout growing though, they seem to be doing ok now after a slow start.
ReplyDeleteWE are just hoping one batch actually provides us with a better harvest than over the last couple of years, Jo
DeleteWe usually get a good crop of peas, I sow Mr Fothergill's Ambassador. This year they have gone exceptionally mad.. the first lot we sowed must be 3ft-4ft high and smothered with flowers so should have a good crop.
ReplyDeleteI hope you do get a better harvest this year :o)
I'm hoping for that too, Julie.
DeleteMy perception is that pea-growing has suffered a lot in recent years. You don't see fresh peas for sale in the shops as frequently as you used to. Maybe the weather conditions are to blame again. Peas are particularly susceptible to mildew and similar diseases which are on the increase (I can vouch for that!), so maybe fewer farmers plant them - or else they all get frozen for Birds Eye etc.
ReplyDeleteYear on year it seems there are more and more pests and diseases threatening the thing we grow, Mark. At one time we could grow tomatoes outdoors with no sign f blight whereas now it is just about a certainty that blight will strike at some stage.
DeleteIt's odd how different things do badly some years isn't it? My peas are looking good this year but the weather has been better than last year....rain and sunshine as opposed to endless rain.
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed for a good crop.xxxx
One of the good things about having a varied planting, Snowbird chances are something will do OK
DeleteI sow all my pea varieties directly because the seedlings are so tender. i do sow a really thick row though just in case i don't get a good germination rate!!
ReplyDeleteWe tend to sow thickly too Tanya. The problem can be in that the seedlings grow so slowly that the weevils nibbles them away which is why we always sow early ones in pots.
DeleteIt sounds like my attempts at lettuce this year. I kept planting and planting. Nothing was coming up. Then BAM! Lettuce everywhere. Oops. Hope you have luck with the peas.
ReplyDeleteI hope so too, Bonnie
DeleteI wish I had so many peas plants! Imagine the harvest, wow!
ReplyDeleteOr we may just not get any peas at all, Dewberry especially if the weather turns hot :)
DeleteNice looking pea crops and I like the layout for them along with the mulching. I tend to avoid a lot of mulching as I think it harbours too many hidden pests/diseases.
ReplyDeleteThe mulch is really just to hold down the fabric, Rooko. I think really the weeds that would grow without the fabric would harbour more pests than the mulch.
Delete