[sprinkler1]

i was wandering do i have to pinch the tops of my peas out the same as sweet peas?

[peapod]

On the peas Ive bought Early Onward and Hurst Greenshaft)  say to pinch out the tops, but Im going to leave a few this time unpinched as an experiment, as I didnt seem to get a big crop last year

[DD.]

I NEVER do!

[peapod]

sorry to butt in on your thread sprinkler.... :oops:
but can I ask why DD?

[sprinkler1]

thanks

[DD.]

sorry to butt in on your thread sprinkler.... :oops:
but can I ask why DD?

I guess it's because I never heard of doing such a thing. My grandfather didn't, in Percy Thrower's book that he gave me in 1965 - he doesn't, Dr. H. doesn't mention it & coming up to date, John doesn't mention in it his book either.

Whilst I now buy loose seed as it is far more economical, I've never seen it on any packet I've bought in the past, although I don't deny it may well mention it now. I find they bush out fine by themselves.

Oh - another good reason - I've got about 200 feet of peas, so if you think I'm pinching out 1000's of peas - think on!

[gobs]

I don't think anybody does, who grows a decent amount of peas, you might as well be counting ants.

Luckily it is not necessary, on sweet peas either. Can do, if you like, but not needed. It is only of importance with very early sown seedlings, as it encourages bushing out, instead of going leggy.

[peapod]

I grow all in containers at the moment, would it be any different for me?

[gobs]

I should not think so peapod, good watering and a bit muck might be much more important.

[DD.]

I would say that in pots good watering is ESSENTIAL!

[peapod]

I water loads and loads, no worry there (ive been known to be late for work because of it!!)


Just goes to show you need to ask knowledgeable people first rather than follow the instructions on the packets religiously
thanks guys
(and sorry again sprinkler)
 

[Trillium]

I'm joining the 'I don't pinch out either' club. I've more than enough work without this useless task. My space for peas is limited and no way do I  limit their cropping. I give them lots of manure and water and they do fine climbing all over their netting.
Like Gobs says, only advantage to pinching sweet peas young is to avoid leggy plants.
Only plants I pinch out later are toms, cukes and melons when the season is getting on and new flowers haven't a chance of maturing before frost would get them.