[tam]

Umm, how do you tell when peas are ready to pick?  The plants have just about stopped flowering and the pods are getting fatter. I don't have a lot of plants so I don't want to keep picking them to see or I'll have none left when they are ready.

[DD.]

Squeeze them gently. If the pod gives, they need to grow a bit more.

[Goosegirl]

My OH says that it's surprising that they seem fat and ready but when you open them they're not quite. Look at the pod with the sun behind you and you can see better if they have filled the pod. You can also open a couple as a test - but then you'll have to eat them - ooh!!!

[aelf]

eating a few to test them is just the best thing in the world!

[tam]

Thank you for the advice I've squeezed gently and shone a torch at them. I'm sure the neighbours think I've gone loopy. I don't think they are ready yet as there's still more growing space. I'll leave them a little longer and then try the taste test 

[DD.]

With time you'll get used to feeling the weight of a full pod.

If you harvesting  a couple of 32' rows, you can't be messing with holding them up to the light!

[green fingers]

With time you'll get used to feeling the weight of a full pod.

If you harvesting  a couple of 32' rows, you can't be messing with holding them up to the light!

Very true - but do you have to grow 32 ft rows?

[DD.]

Yes - the plot's 32' wide.