Malcolm Smith's
Allotment Cultivation Notes
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Peas like soil that is not too acid, but especially need to be kept well watered, so an
effort has to be made to retain moisture, especially during dry periods. To achieve this, I
take out a trench one spit deep, then with a fork, dig in plenty of compost even if it has not
fully broken down. I then backfill the trench with the top spit, mixing in more compost. If the
soil is found to be too acid, then a top dressing of lime can be added.
Firstly I draw out a shallow trench which will remain as a water trap. The pea seeds are
dropped into 1½" deep dibbed holes about 2" apart. Sow in succession every two weeks. Support
the plants on pea netting.
Keep weeds down by hand and hoe. Be sure to water in dry periods and add mulch if possible.
Pick off the pods as soon they are ready and do not allow any to go to seed. Any surplus can
be frozen or given away.
Slugs and snails can be a problem for young plants. The Pea moth may attack
early varieties by laying their eggs into the flowers. The Pea weevil will attack the
youngest plants in March by nibbling the leaf edges and growing tip.
Preparation
Planting
Cultivation
Harvesting
Problems
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