[Goosegirl]

I've planted the ones I grew in pots but wondering if it's still too cold to sow some direct. Will they germinate as peas are normally quite hardy. They will be going inot a raised bed so no worry about the rains we've had.

[steven c]

i think there is a fine line between rotting and germinating i know it is a bit of a faff but i now prechitt all large seeds corn peas squash etc  i think it is worth the effort then you are planting out good plants that stand a better chance against slugs and snails.

[Potty Plotty Lotty]

I also pre chit these but once chitted sow them directly. Did this a couple of weeks back and they are now popping through the soil.

I normally soak them overnight to speed up the process. You have to time it carefully as once chitted they grow quickly!

Sometimes I'll then sow some unchitted seeds at the same time to slightly help with succession.

[Subversive_plot]

The approach PPL takes is what I do as well.

I'm not sure how cold it is where you are, but I usually get the chitted peas in the ground while frosts are possible, it presents no problem for me.

The young pea plants can fall victim to squirrels and other pests. To protect them from harm, get a roll of plastic gutter guard mesh, roll it out over your planted pea row, and arch it over the row by staking it from the sides. That provides a little protection until the plants are rooted and have made a few leaves. After that, roll the gutter guard up until you need to protect another row of something else you planted.

[Nobbie]

They’ll be fine as long as you don’t have any hungry mice around.