[Nicki85]

Hi,

I have some mangetout ('Golden Sweet' Yellow-Podded Mange-tout pea to be precise!) planted in the root trainer pots which are now about 4" tall.  I've just put them in the cold frame but not to sure what to do with them now... 
As they are so tall they are collapsing down.  Could I plant them down the lottie now or do they need protection from the frosts?  Or should I pinch out the tops so they sprout from the base?

Also does anyone have any pics of example supports for them to grow up?   I've got some pea netting but can't envisage how to put it up!  :blink:

Thanks in advance 

[Headgardener22]

Depends where you are and whether you think there are going to be frosts. They would need some protection.

As for netting - do you know how tall they grow? For short (<4ft) peas, I use a "tent structure". Two A frames using 5ft canes pushed into the soil with another cane the width of the row between them. Then string some pea netting over the top and peg it down.

I usually plant the peas staggered on either side of the netting.

[peapod]

For netting support look at http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=50902.0.  Pea netting can be fiddly, but this is the same kind of idea....just easier!

They need hardening off for a week or so, put them outside during the day and put in cold frame at night.  You can support them now by making a little temporary frame from bamboo canes and string, or even just a short cane each.

[Nicki85]

Thanks very much both of you   Will look into putting some little canes to support them now  and get the supports sorted.

[mumofstig]

peas are frost hardy, they just need hardening off after being raised in the warmth of the cold frame