[Snoop]

I'm thinking about growing Maro peas this year, as my partner loves mushy peas. The only problem is I don't know at what stage you pick them. Do you pick and eat them as they mature, like ordinary peas? Do you leave them on the plant till they dry naturally?

In case it makes a difference, I should say that I live off grid and can't freeze cooked mushy peas.

[mumofstig]

You can eat them fresh as soon as they fill their pods, or leave them on the plant to dry, then rehydrate( by overnight soak) to use over winter.

Here I have to keep an eye on the drying pods as the critters like to empty and eat them

[Snoop]

Thanks MoS. How do you stop the critters getting at them? Netting?

[mumofstig]

if they look as if they'vestarted on them I pull the whole plants and hang them upside down in my outhouse - which seems to be a safe place (touches wood and crosses fingers that it continues  )

[Trillium]

I use netting but it must be tight around the bottom to keep mice from slipping in. They tend to take most of my peas if given a chance.

[DD.]

I can't afford not to net my peas at any stage, from sowing, through to harvesting.

[Snoop]

Right, netting it is, then. Thanks for all the advice. You guys are the best!