[m1ckz]

should i soak in water befor sowing,not tried these befor, anyone got any tips about them    thanx

[lacewing]

I grow purple podded peas and have never soaked the seeds. I think it's a matter of choice really, you may get quicker germination by soaking. I just sow in damp soil, they take take about 7-10 days to germinate.
The plants are very ornamental with pink and purple bi-colour flowers, and the pods are easy to see when harvesting.  The peas have a creamier texture than the normal garden pea, perhaps not quite as sweet but very nice.

[m1ckz]

and is it best to start them off indoors or strait in the ground,and when,got them from ebay in a clear packet so no instructions

[lacewing]

I start them off in trays indoors,  mice have a habit of pinching the seeds if sown direct.  Sow six weeks before the last frost in your area, you should then have nice sturdy plants folr planting out, after hardening off.

[m1ckz]

great   thanx

[mumofstig]

If you follow DDs advice, as I do  you will start them off in the ground

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=50902.msg602742#msg602742

sowing advice starts a few posts down the page in the link 

IMO If you're growing a row you need too many plants to be able to start them off in plots, sowing in guttering may be an option for a short row