#Early start on peas
5 messages in this thread
Alison,
I was trying to see what I could do about getting on good start on peas
this year. We're in Durham, NC and I've found they need to be started in
February to mature before its too hot but I've had problems with the seeds
rotting (even treated ones).
I've been wondering about soaking the seeds and consulted my Gardener's
Index. Nat Gardener is shown as having articles on "pregerminating seeds"
in Mar 87 and Oct 88 while Org Gardening is listed as having one on
"harmful" in Feb. 87. The article in Org Gardening this year talks about
starting them in peat pots but that sounds expensive.
Do you have the Nat Gardener stories on hand and what do they say about
pre-soaking – is it good or bad and if good, how long should they be
soaked?
I'm thinking of using the heater cables intended for use in cold-frames
along a row. They would be less expensive than peat pots and could be used
again. Any comments on this idea?
Mike
You might also try laying a black (or clear) plastic mulch over the row for
a week or so before planting; that could give them just enough heat to germ
before rotting…..
Shepherd,
Do you have any words of wisdom on the pre-soaking issue? Your article in
the Feb '89 Nat Gardener doesn't mention any specific techniques for the
South. I've tried some of the agro-net over partial rows with indifferent
results perhaps as my garden is still fairly well shaded at this time of
year.
Thanks
Mike
Hi Mike,
I'll take a look at the articles you mentioned and get back to you next
week.
Alison
Mike,
I've located the Mar '89 article as well as a tip from a reader in the Jan
'89 issue.
Presprouting will give you a head start in the spring, however, if you are
planting a large garden the total planting time may be too great to be
practical. Presprouting is also a good way to determine if seed is viable.
Rather than waiting several weeks after planting seed directly in the
garden to find out whether or not it is any good, you can find out in a
couple of days by presprouting. In general, soak seed in twice as much
water as is needed to cover the seed completely. Let them soak at least a
couple of hours or overnight. Pour off water and store seed in a warm,
dark location. Rinse seed at least three times daily until seeds have
sprouted. The reader's tip concerned instructions for soaking seed
overnight in warm water. Place seed in an empty tea bag and dangle the tea
bag in a thermos of warm water.
Alison