[Salmo]

I usually sow peas directly in the soil with success but I have decided that, with cold soil and a forecast of cold and wet weather, I will plant my early peas in root trainers. How many seeds do you sow per module? How do you space them when you plant them out.

To get a decent density of plants I was thinking of 4 per module, and plant modules out at 4 inch spacings along the row, or in a staggered double row 8 inches apart.

That would fit the plant density recomended on the seed packets.

[mumofstig]

I use the 4 hole x 6 hole module inserts with 1 pea in each hole - then half the tray lengthwise gives you 12 peas in a double row 13ins long, which is about the right density.

So one seed tray = 2ft of peas, planted out into a shallow trench when they're a few inches high.
Hopefully the weather will be better by then  :blink:

IMO 4 seeds per root trainer hole seems way to many to work

[Totty]

Sowed sweet peas into root trainers in the autumn. Would not try it with normal peas though. To avoid rotting, and planting out all those pea plants, take all of your seed and spread them over newspaper in a seed tray, cover with newspaper and soak. I then cover them with another tray and keep them damp until they start to chit. Generally they are now past the point of rotting and you can sow them as normal in shallow trenches. Chitting like this takes about 2-4 days.

Totty

[Trillium]

An easier way would be to get hold of any length of roof guttering, block the ends (to hold soil in) fill with potting mix and seed that way. At planting time you can  carefully take chunks of soil and place them directly in the garden.

[Salmo]

This is an update on the progress of the peas.

Kelveden Wonder sowed on 16th March. Kept in the warm until just poking through.

Kept in a cold frame and planted out today.

[gavinjconway]

If you wait another week you can get them sown direct without all the fuss..

[Salmo]

If you wait another week you can get them sown direct without all the fuss..

Yes, but you will wait another month to have a crop as far advanced as these. By which time these will be looking towards flowering .

In another week I will probably be sowing my second crop. Direct or in trainers - not sure yet.

These were no bother. Sat quietly in the cold frame. Pulled out a furrow with a spade. Dropped the plants in. Covered with soil, watered and added netting. Almost 100% germination.