Peas - First Early

Type: Vegetable

Rotation Group: 3, Legumes


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DOUCE PROVENCE

Best described as a sweeter version of Feltham First, this French variety is not as high yielding, although it may be sown in autumn or spring and needs virtually no support. An old variety, but well worth growing today. (Round seeded). Height: 45cm/18in.
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FELTHAM FIRST

Round seeded pea 'Feltham First' is a long-standing favourite, an old variety long popular with amateurs and market gardeners alike. A sturdy 'dwarf' variety that requires little support, the plants grow to a height of 45 to 60cm (18 to 24in).
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METEOR

A very hardy, dwarf variety which will crop well even in exposed locations, also ideal for containers. One of the first to crop in the season with a superb flavour. Very versatile , for spring and autumn sowings.

Site, Soil and Preparation

Peas prefer an open, sunny position with good drainage. If your soil is acidic, then add lime before sowing. First earlies are sown from March to early June and will be ready to pick in 11 to 13 weeks.

Indoor Sowing

Peas are best sown along a length of guttering filled with compost, spacing seeds about 7.5cm (3in) apart. This makes transplanting outside easy, as you have a ready-made row that can simply be slid into a trench. Alternatively, sow in modular trays or small pots.

Outdoor Sowing

Never sow into cold, wet soil, warm the soil with polythene or cloches before sowing. However, peas generally prefer cooler weather and grow well in a cool spring. Sow the seeds evenly in a 50mm (2in) deep x 150mm (6in) wide trench. Sow about 7.5cm (3in) apart, cover with soil, then lightly firm.

Thinning

Thinning of peas should not be needed if planted at the correct spacings.

Transplanting

Transplant indoor sown peas to the final growing position when the shoots are at least 50mm (2in) high.

Care

Most peas need supports to scramble up. For taller varieties use trellis or bamboo canes and netting. For smaller varieties use pea netting or pea sticks. After flowering, plants need sufficient water for the pods to swell. Water the plants when they start to flower and two weeks after. Add a thick mulch around the base of the plants to help prevent the soil drying out.

Harvest

Pods are ready to harvest when they're well filled. Pick regularly, otherwise the plants will stop producing flowers and pods.