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problems with peas

REMF33REMF33 Posts: 731
in Problem solving
My peas are growing with really thin stems near to where they emerge from the soil. Above the soil the stems look normal and it's only when I come to plan them out that I notice it. What might cause this? Does it matter? (The winter sown lot did not thrive but I think this might be down to dodgy, contaminated compost.)
I am growing them in root trainers, germinating in a heated propogator then moving promptly to a cooler location as soon as the first ones emerge. Is it a heat issue? Would it be better to start them off in the (unheated - although getting quite hot during the day at the moment) greenhouse, or even outside? Diret sow, even? (Although in the past I have had trouble with overnight complete consumption by snails.)

Posts

  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    Peas  do not need extra heat at this time of year to germinate.  I don't direct sow very much because either pigeons get the brassicas or mice get beans, peas and sweet corn.  None of those need  more than usual temperature at this time of year to germinate.  During May I open the greenhouse doors all day to help with the temperature. It also has auto vents.
  • REMF33REMF33 Posts: 731
    These were sown a few weeks ago, but yes that makes sense. I could sow them outside now.
    Ok will try once again. I've not had great germination rate either. The seeds were within use by date but maybe I should use new ones.
  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    Agree @fidgetbones we can't sow directly even now in May as the mice will take the seeds. We sow in pots in the polytunnel and then transplant the seedlings out.
  • barry islandbarry island Posts: 1,847
    I sowed some petit pois direct into the ground today and watered some jeyes fluid around the area that has stopped mice finding the seeds before, also sowing now should mean that the worst of the pea moth will be over before they flower.
  • nick615nick615 Posts: 1,487
    I always sow direct into the row with plastic covered wire fence around the lot, ready for support as and when.  I religiously save what I can from what's left at the end of each season, but augment them with one packet of new Hurst Greenshaft.  I draw out the drill, lay in quite a bit of chicken manure pellets which go all fluffy once wet.  I then distribute all the saved seed along the drill, followed by the new packet amongst them.  Mine are now about 9ins high and very thick, as germination rates seem to have been good in both lots.
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