Give this straightforward pea-growing method a try – it really couldn’t be simpler, and extends the season!
Is there anything better than popping open a pod of garden peas fresh from the plot and snacking on them while you garden? Probably not! Our step-by-step guide makes growing peas easier than ever via this technique, meaning you can look ahead to a summer full of healthy treats. Check the optimum sowing dates of your varieties, but winter-hardy types are a great choice now.
1 Maximise your growing space and start sowing earlier by using drainpipe guttering for starting peas inside. Take your length of guttering and cut to a manageable size that is suitable for your growing space. Drill holes in the base of the guttering to ensure good drainage and fill with seed compost.
2 By starting your peas off under cover, you'll not only protect your seedlings from the cold, but you'll also be more likely to avoid the threat of mice and slugs from eating your seedlings and preventing their growth. Once your guttering is filled with potting compost, give it a good watering as peas like moist soil.
3 There's no need to be too precise with spacing your pea seeds apart, but it's best to give them a little bit of room to germinate and grow before you plant them out later on in the season. Allow for 3-5 cm gaps between each and use a pencil or plant label to poke some holes in the soil for your seeds to sit in.
4 Take your seeds and drop them into the holes you've made in the compost. There are plenty of different varieties, but if you're hoping for an early crop, try using an early variety such as 'Feltham First Early' seeds. These will take around 12-16 weeks to reach maturity, and are suitable for growing from the beginning of spring.
5 Top up your seeds with more soil until they are covered and firm down to hold in place. Water again and place inside to keep away from any late frosts. If you've got a greenhouse or polytunnel, make use of these growing spaces to germinate your seedlings, or if not then a cold frame should be sufficient provi
