"Garden Peas"
There are lots of seemingly quite different vegetables that come under the heading of 'peas', including ornamental sweet peas. Find out more about growing sweet peas on this page... Sweet Pea Plants  The large marrowfat type are often used in soups and stews and are perfect for making 'mushy' peas. And there are all sorts of other colours and sizes. Also you can grow a sugar snap or mange tout pea which is harvested before the peas inside the pod have developed. The whole pod is delicious and sweet and can be steamed, stir-fried or eaten raw. They add a wonderful crunch to a mixed salad. Choose to grow a few different varieties of garden peas if you have the space available. ************************************ And for US deliveries go to Gurney's homepage, choose 'vegetable seeds' then 'pea seeds' for some wonderful garden pea varieties.
Prepare your land by digging over and removing any weeds, large stones or non-organic material. Choose a bright and airy spot in the garden. Garden peas are a cool crop so don't require full sun but a bright spot will help them grow well. Make sure the ground is well drained. The peas will rot in waterlogged ground even before they have germinated.
Plant garden peas fairly close together allowing only about 2inches (5cm) between the seed, unless otherwise stated for your particular variety. Allow enough space between rows so that you can get to the plants and maintain them, and also to pick the peas when the time comes. Water and keep weed-free. Peas tend to germinate fairly quickly and you should see a neat row of plants within a couple of weeks.
Don't let mange tout varieties get to the point where you can see they are developing peas inside the pod because the pod will be course by that time and not particularly enjoyable to eat, although if you do miss them, you could always chop them and add to a soup or stew. Of course, regular garden peas and large marrowfat types will need to develop the peas inside the pods before harvesting.
And remember if you don't manage to eat all your garden peas fresh, they can be frozen and also dried. To dry, leave the pods on the plant until they start to shrivel and then dry the peas completely before storing in airtight jars. NB: Peas grow well with beans. Find out more about growing beans on this page... Growing Greenbeans  Happy Gardening! Grow Your Own Winter Food: A good diet incorporating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables is a must if you want to stay fit and healthy and keep the bugs at bay during the cold winter months. Growing your own winter food is just one way of ensuring you get the freshest, tastiest produce packed with goodness straight from the garden to the kitchen table. This easy-to-follow self-sufficiency book shows you how to grow your own fruit and vegetables for winter use and includes facts on each fruit, vegetable or herb as well as nutritional value, recipe ideas and storage suggestions.  Grow Your Own Winter Food is perfect for those with limited gardening experience, with gardens big or small who are looking to become more self-sufficient. Order it now direct from the publisher... Grow Your Own Winter Food Grow It, Cook It!: Many crops, including herbs, can be produced in a relatively small space with a little pre-planning and organizing: in containers, on a balcony, and indoors. Herbs are perfect for enhancing the flavour of cooking, treating minor ailments, and preventing colds and flu. Your own back garden will not only produce the best food on the planet for you and your loved ones, it is also economical, environmentally friendly and more fun than shopping. Gardening is more than a hobby; it's a way of life. .  This book provides all the information you need to keep your family and friends healthy, fit and enjoying life to the full. Order it now direct from the publisher... Grow It, Cook It! Grow Your Own Pharmacy: If, like me, you want to be able to eat the best food on the planet, grow your own!  • Clear instructions on planning, planting, growing and harvesting the fruits, vegetables and herbs required for a healthy vitamin intake. • Recipes and menus to help incorporate the fruit and vegetables into your daily diet. Grow Your Own Pharmacy Herbs and Spices: Some herbs grow vigorously, some are tender and need special growing conditions, some are annuals, some perennials, some you can grow indoors, all can be grown in pots or directly into the ground. There are also certain spices, such as chillies, that can be grown in temperate climates.  This clear and concise directory of herbs and spices provides all the essential information to help you grow a selection of these flavour-enhancing foods in small or large spaces. Ideas for which herbs and spices go best with which foods also accompany each description, so that you can really enliven your repertoire of recipes. Order it now direct from the publisher... Herbs and Spices Granny's Book Of Good Old Fashioned Common Sense is packed full of great ideas and tips. Granny brings traditional home-making up to date with cooking, gardening, needlecrafts and even games to play with the kids...Click on the link below to order your copy.  Cooking doesn’t have to be a chore and preparing nourishing home cooked meals for the family will certainly keep them away from the goodie shelf. Gardening encourages physical exercise and a good healthy dollop of fresh air. And you can get the kids involved too. Before the days of computer games and electronic pets, children used to have fun without rummaging about in the fridge every five minutes. Enjoy a few rainy-day games and crafts of yesteryear with today’s kids. They’ll love it and so will you! Granny's Book Of Good Old Fashioned Common Sense Back To Garden Vegetables Back To Flower and Garden Tips Homepage Click here to subscribe to "Creative Gardening" - Your FREE monthly ezine! http://www.flower-and-garden-tips.com/gardenpeas.html |
