In the last several years of gardening, one of the main things I wish I could grow in abundance is peas. Nice green plump peas that I can throw in a dish or shell and fill the freezer. I have tried and I have failed miserably. Once year I came close and actually grew enough pods that I was able to have a good snack while watering other plants in the garden, but never enough to really feed us...not even a meal.
Never one to really give up, I decided this is the year I will succeed! I know I said that last year, but this year it is going to happen I can just feel it!
I awoke this morning to find I had received an email from the Farmers Almanac telling me that NOW is the time to plant my peas! Armed with determination, ingredients for my soil, and my handy Bambooty, I set out to perfect growing these little suckers. I had started several seeds a couple weeks ago in preparation for this moment and they appear to be doing nicely in their little starter pots. In an effort to not fail this year I have decided that I will start pea seeds every 2 weeks for a 6-8 week period, in hopes of finding the prime conditions.
These are Sugar Ann peas, which are supposed to be the easiest and best snap pea variety. (meaning you can eat the pod and full size peas inside) They freeze well too, or so I hear. Peas do not need fertilized much and are very sensitive to nitrogen, so soil choice is important. I got out my soil buckets and mixed 1 part Peat, 1 part organic garden soil and 1 part sand. I also added just a small handful of compost. The decision was made to split the peas between a little space I have in ground and containers, as to give myself yet another option for success. I drilled several holes in the bottom of a couple 2 gallon buckets and filled them up with the soil mixture. The remaining mix was dumped over the ground space and turned with a shovel to mix with the existing soil there.
Very carefully, I got the starts out of the containers and planted 2 rows, leaving about 6 inches between each plant. 2 pea starts were also carefully placed in each 2 gallon bucket.
The starter containers were thoroughly washed with Dawn dish soap and water, and refilled with the same soil mixture. Ready to plant more Pea seeds. 1 seed in the smaller sections and 2 seeds to the larger pots. The seeds were lightly pushed down with the smooth tip of a pen and sprinkled with the magic soil mix for good measure.
My biggest hope is that every seed planted returns an over abundance of sweet tiny goodness! Fingers crossed! A little cinnamon sprinkled around on all and a good mist with the hose and my day in the dirt is complete. According to the wonderful notice from the Almanac, I can play in the dirt again tomorrow planting cabbage and celery outside (2 more of the most difficult from seed of course) and starting cucumbers and peppers inside!
Until then...I wish you Peace!
jojo
Obviously your diet change worked out for you Joyce! and Kudo's to you for growing your own vege's etc.
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