To pea or not to pea, that is the question
Many people may only know the frozen kind, but there’s nothing quite like shelling fresh peas into a bowl in summer, and eating a few as you go along.
At this time of year you need to sow peas under cover in modules. If you have a small garden but want to make the best use of vertical space, choose a tall variety such as ‘Alderman’ and give it good support.
However, there are many much shorter cultivars, including dwarf varieties, which are virtually self supporting and suitable for containers.
Pea seedlings can be transplanted into the ground when they are around 10cm (4in) tall, and if the weather is cold protect them with fleece. Insert supports around the plants.
They like rich, moisture-retentive soil which has been enriched with compost or well-rotted manure to help see them through hot weather, which they dislike. You’ll need to water them well and mulch around the base of the plants.
Sowing seed in a single row or pair of rows works best for taller varieties as it makes it easier to support them and give good ventilation around the plants.
Keep them well-supported and water well once flowering has begun to allow the pods to swell properly. Harvest them regularly to ensure they are at their peak.
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