[LotuSeed]

So I sowed some English peas (v. green arrow) in a block, in my 4x5 raised bed. The instructions on the label said to leave a ridiculous amount of space between rows. I didn't do that. I read somewhere that dwarf peas will support each other if planted close together. The packet says they grow to just under three feet. Has anyone else grown peas in a block like this? Am I going to end up with a tangled mess? Should I thin them or put sticks in for added support?

[Annen]

will you be able to pick the ones in the middle okay though?

[LotuSeed]

Yep. The bed is only four feet wide and accessible from three sides. I filled half of my 4x10 bed with them hence the three and not four sides.

[Annen]

I only asked because I planted mine in a square around the edges of a metre square bed and I seemed to miss a lot of peas when picking. Although come to think, I miss them in a row too

[LotuSeed]

Did you use anything to support them or did they do okay on their own? I'm wondering if I should shove sticks in before the peas get bigger and the roots really spread out.

[surbie100]

My plot neighbour always sows her peas in a block - works pretty well as far as I can see. She puts in hazel twigs for them to grip and climb up. I'll take a pic today - if I remember! 

[DD.]

You don't see peas in a field in rows! They are "broadcast" sown, in their case for mechanical harvesting.

They will be fine grown like this, as long as you can reach them, which as you say, you can!

[NewSteve]

I though the spacing guidelines were about shade.

I grew some dwarf peas last year which the packet said 'may be' self-supporting. They weren't. 

[peapod]

I have never ever know peas to be 'self supporting' and wouldn't risk it. At the very least I would place quite a few pea sticks among the plants. I also take no notice of spacing guidelines. As long as I can reach them (I sow in rows for that reason) they get bunged in in handfuls at a time (mice get a few you see).

Job's a good 'un 

[LotuSeed]

Thanks for all the help guys 😊 I think I'll shove a few sticks in here and there and make a twine border of sorts.

[upthetump]

one year i hadn't ordered peas so i used the dried peas you buy in the supermarket in a box. they were like a different plant.i planted them in 3 rows, they threw out fronds from all parts of the plant and  supported each other until later in the year when a big gust blew them all over. in a large block these peas will definitately support each other, wish i'd taken a pic now. didn't taste very nice tho