Here it is, my first critique, thought, ammendment, whatever to the schedule in the Jeavons book. Peas.
I started the peas last week in flats and they are sprouting up now. Peas are very cold tolerant, given that we have had such little frost this spring, (I spotted one patch yesterday for the first time in weeks, but it was not widespread)...wouldnt it make more sense just to direct seed them in the bed? So I ask all you experienced pea growers, is there a minimum temp these little guys need to germinate? is that why they were started in beds? I direct seeded last year but it was too late in the season for them to really thrive.
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Most pea info I have read says "as soon as soil can be worked" That is about as descriptive as saying WWII was a disagreement between Germany and "a few other countries".
My planting bible "The Gardener's A-Z Guide to Growing Organic" says peas should be planted 35-56 days before last frost date. Here in southern WI the early end is mid March.
I have NEVER seen peas recommended as transplants anywhere but by Jeavons. In my (un)humble opinion, when it comes to transplanting Jeavons lost a few marbles. He recommends transplanting COVER CROPS in some of his books. He means well -he is looking to maximize the productivity of beds, and time waiting for germination is harvest time missed, but transplanting several thousand rye plants for a 100 sq ft bed is a bit much for me.
Jeavons is a huge resource for crop rotation, strategic planning, and learning soil building. But every guru has their faults.
Don't let the peas get too big -I'd transplant as soon as they are on their second set of leaves to avoid their tap root from getting buggered up. If you have seeds left over go ahead and start a row outside!
-Rob
I've heard plant peas on st patricks day. I dont know about the rest of the country, but in syracuse its not fit to even be outside that time of year. I thought it was a bit odd. They just sprouted up yesterday, and I planted them last week, according to jeavons schedule, transplant them today.
I 've got some transplanting to do today, I'll probably wait a couple days on the peas until their leaves unfurl, but next year it seems like it would make more sense to just direct seed like the rest of the world.
I guess this is a perfect example of why I started chronicling this whole project. To show the possible pitfalls along with the pluses.
I've always put peas and beans both directly into the ground. In Oklahoma I direct seed sugar snaps in of Feb first part of March. They are usually done by mid-june. I;ve used a Dakota pea from Territorial for a couple of years now in my beds for shelling. They only grow about 2' tall and I plant them around St Pats.
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