I'm a pea-growing failure

[terrace max]

Why can't I germinate peas??

Ignoring the distinct possibility that I'm an idiot, why won't they grow? I've managed to get celery, onions and chervil on their way this year (all last year's failures) but peas...no!

Because of the cold weather (will it ever end?) I've sown them - Feltham First -  in 3" pots in my frost-free greenhouse...my first attempt have been binned after nearly 3 weeks of no-show. Second time around I pre-soaked them for 24 hours before sowing: 2 weeks later zilcho...

Any suggestions? Should I use the rest of my seeds to make mushy peas??

[terrace max]

[Multiveg]

Just let me get dr hessayon's book.... which says that peas take 7-10 days to germinate. Hmm, dunno. Try to be a bit more patient, perhaps dip your finger in the soil to find the pea seed to see what is happening. Perhaps the frost free greenhouse is still too cold.

[Svea]

i dont lke mushy peas. :p
you say you soaked them? what about chitting?
http://www.hauntedfish.co.uk/~food/vegetables/chickpea.htm
see this website for how she chits her seeds.

even if your potting compost is not sandy.... maybe it will increase the chance of successful germination?
what what do i know - never tried peas myself ;)

[Multiveg]

My little person (see february competition pics) helped me sow some peas in the autumn - they came up but my big person weeded them!

Going to try the guttering method. Have had success in modules as well as direct plantings.

[moonbells]

Because of the cold weather (will it ever end?) I've sown them - Feltham First -  in 3" pots in my frost-free greenhouse...my first attempt have been binned after nearly 3 weeks of no-show. Second time around I pre-soaked them for 24 hours before sowing: 2 weeks later zilcho...

Any suggestions? Should I use the rest of my seeds to make mushy peas??

Greenhouse - mmm is it possible you've got mice? When you binned them, were the seeds still intact in the pots?

moonbells

[Clayhithe]

Don't worry:  you're not the only one. ???

[Mrs Ava]

Don't overwater, especially if they are in a cold situation.  They will have rotted quicker than the mice could find them!

[diver]

Now, I might be a failure at parsnips but my peas are ok...I have sown 3 varieties, one early one and 2 others, I soaked them for 36 hours..only meant to do it for 24 hours but forgot.... I used ordinary compost in 5 inch pots and put 4 seeds in each pot ..this was last week, and kept them in my unheated spare room for a few days because I didn't have glass in my green house at the time....I moved them into the unheated greenhouse on Monday and they are doing fine...I water them every day...they have little sprouts sticking out of the soil but no leaves yet. I'd try again and soak them for longer, believe me ,if I can do it it is definitly doable. good luck and don't give up

[terrace max]

Thanks everyone. Maybe I did overwater...

I'm going to try the 'hauntedfish' chitting method this time whilst regularly touching wood.

Giving up is not an option. I don't like mushy peas either...

[bethel]

I remember my Father growing his peas in a Jam Jar in which some kitchen paper was coiled then the seeds were dropped between the jar and the paper so the paper soaked up enough moisture to chit the seeds then they were put into pots of compost that had been warmed up indoors for 4 days left for one day then put into shed to acclimatise.

It always works for me.....  ;)

[newchangeling]

No advice to offer, I just wanted to say how sorry I am to hear you sounding so pea-d off.   :P

Ahem.

I'll go now, shall I?

Clare.

[wardy]

tee hee  :)

[Roy Bham UK]

I remember my Father growing his peas in a Jam Jar in which some kitchen paper was coiled then the seeds were dropped between the jar and the paper so the paper soaked up enough moisture to chit the seeds then they were put into pots of compost that had been warmed up indoors for 4 days left for one day then put into shed to acclimatise.

It always works for me.....  ;)

Hi Bethal, that sounds like a good idea, I have a 4" diam x 9" tall jar, how many peas would you put in that jar and how long would you leave the seedlings before transplanting from the pots and presumably they don't mind a little root disturbance? ???

I am a total novice :-[ many thanks in advance ;D

BTW Welcome to the A4A ;)

[Clayhithe]

Terrace max

Maybe we didn't wait long enough.

My first earlies went in on 12 Jan,  then every 10 days (+/-).
Yesterday the first row germinated!

Not sure what I did:  I used a dibber,  then dropped two peas in each hole,  and just left them.   At the time it seemed too easy.

[busy_lizzie]

We generally don't have any trouble chitting, but last year they were a complete failure once they were planted as seedlings at the lottie.  We couldn't seem to protect them from whatever was nibbling away at them.  We would have a nice row growing well one day and then the next day they were all decimated.  busy_lizzie

[Doris_Pinks]

My first lot sowed in guttering in my greehouse all got eaten by mice! 1 humane mouse trap later, and my second sowing are beginning to show!
(Did see the little blighters in my compost heap yesterday though, so maybe they are planning a 2nd assault!) DP

[terrace max]

Clayhithe,

You were right: that second sowing I was on about: they've germinated! And I've got others chitting successfully...

Thank you all! (Except for the pea pun, newchangeling)

Now, what's up with those chillies I sowed two weeks ago...