Pea

Sweet, fresh peas straight from the pod are a real treat. Likes cool, damp weather and a bit of support to lean on.

Things to look out for

  • Birds and mice love seedlings — cover with mesh until established
  • Provide support early — pea stems are floppy without it
  • Water well when flowering for plump pods

What to sow

Sow direct in a shallow flat‑bottomed trench, two rows about 5 cm apart. Cover and firm gently. Mice love pea seeds — protect with mesh if needed.

UK window: Mar–Jun (direct)

What to plant out

Push twiggy sticks or netting along the row as soon as plants are a few cm tall, so tendrils have something to grip.

UK window: —

How to care

Water during dry spells, especially once flowers and pods appear. A mulch helps keep roots cool.

When to harvest

Pick from the bottom of the plant upwards as pods fill out. Pick often — older pods turn starchy.

UK window: Jun–Aug