[DD.]

I only put the posts in once the peas have germinated, before that, as I said previously, the netting is only raised about 6".

If you are putting plants in, I find that at that stage the pigeons are not interested, they seem only to go for the very young shoots.

I have to re-net when they start to pod as the pigeons seem to take notice again!

[Janeymiddlewife]

Thanks DD !

[LivvyW]

Does anyone else use holly sprigs layed over the sown peas to deter the dreaded mice?

I started some peas in the greenhouse in guttering at the end of feb, just poked through and i took the holly off to discuss new peas with nearly 3 year old daughter. Forgot to put holly back on. Next day 3/4 of peas had been chewed by the critters.

Took oportunity to discuss mouse damage with nearly 3 year old.

Sowed again. Left holly on. Planted out yesterday. End march ones nearly as big as the ones sown end feb.

Next year i'll be sowing direct end of March and covering with cloche and holly sprigs.

And i know some people would need 100 huge holly bushes to cover their rows of peas, but for those without a pea fetish, holly works for me