Peas & Beans


By growing different types and cultivars of pea (including sugar snaps and mange tout varieties) you can prolong your harvest and enjoy fresh pods from early May right through until October.

 

Example pic

 

Sow seeds 5cm deep and 20cm apart (dwarf varieties can be sown 15cm apart), in rows 20cm apart. Taller varieties need supporting; place a stout stake at each corner of the row and run string around the stakes at 30cm intervals.

 

Keep the seedlings well watered and free from weeds. When the first pods start to form, pinch out the top 7.5cm of the stems to prevent attack from blackfly. Lightly steam the tops and eat like spinach.

 

You should be able to pick the pods when the beans start to show through the pod, however don't leave them too long as they can be stringy and lose their flavour. For best results, eat on the same day as you harvested them and steam for just a few minutes.