Give Peas A Chance

Peas and 'pea tops' are a great thing to start growing at home now. 

An unheated greenhouse is the perfect growing environment, but a cool, light windowsill is a fine alternative.
'Meteor' and 'Kelvedon Wonder' are two of the best 'first early' varieties for sowing now and are widely available, including as organic. They work equally well as tops and full grown plants.

Top Tip - A little bottom heat will help kick start germination. Put the tray on a low radiator for the first few days.. keeping an eye that it doesn't dry out!

HOW?
Fill a seed tray (or module tray) with compost. Bury the peas about 1-2cms below the surface and water in well. 
Keep moist enough so compost does not shrink from the edges of the tray, but not too wet.


WHAT NEXT?
When the seedlings are about 10cm tall, (4-5 weeks) you can make your first cut for a 'pea shoots' salad. Or, leave them to grow on to peas; planting them outside from mid-March. If you do this, they will need support (twiggy sticks/netting) and protection from pigeons!
Protect them with fleece, or make a 'cage' from little twigs stuck into the ground around the shoots.