peas grown in toilet roll tubes

[Icyberjunkie]

I have been collecting a goodly supply of toilet roll tubes for my pea sowing on the advice given earlier in the year to try and achieve some crop this year!

Thinking ahead though...if they are watered from above do the tubes break down and if so do I therefore need to fins a container and method of watering from the bottom?

Iain

[Icyberjunkie]

[flowerlady]

Iain, I used loo rolls for sweet peas, sweet corn, parsnips, beans.  I did place them in icecream boxes!

Initially watering from the top was OK, did have some breakdown as time progressed, so used small indoor watering can to add moisture to bottom when needed!

Found this system worked a treat for those roots that hate to be disturbed.  I'm already collecting and have got the neighbour to do the same for me.  Along with the 2ltr pop bottles that we no longer buy  ;D

[Derekthefox]

Yes, i have just initiated a request for all the tubes, we get through at least three a week, if not more ...

Derekthefox :D

[terrace max]

They stand up really well, and rot a little less quickly, if you stand 'em in module trays...

[redimp]

I jammed as many as I could into seed trays - I also cut them in half.  Then I filled the lot with compost and put peas in each tube.  I watered from above.  I did lose some out the bottoms when I planted on at the lottie but it was not too much of a problem.  I now have a short row of overwintering peas - the furthest I have got with peas so far.

Seeds courtesy of madmum.

[Derekthefox]

Out of curiosity, which peas are suitable for overwintering ... ?

Derekthefox :D

[boris]

My Feltham First peas are meant to overwinter, but it does say 'benefits from cloche protection'

This year I planted half my sweetcorn in tubes and half in big pots (5 to a pot) Transplanted them all at the same time, same soil, conditions, fertilizer etc. Absolutely no difference in plant size. condition, quantity of cobs at all.

[chriszog]

Derek.. Only 3 a week try my local curry house and you'll go through 3 a day.
Also dont forget the used Kitchen paper rolls.
Regards
Chris

[sussexcliff]

I've become a manic about tubes.

It's just like Blue Peter, I create them from (empty) wine boxes (each one good for 4) or old washing powder boxes. Old cereal boxes are a bit thin.

Cut into strips, roll them, staple each top and bottom and finally put a rubber band round them.

Just planted broad beans.
Cheers
Cliff

[redimp]

My Feltham First peas are meant to overwinter, but it does say 'benefits from cloche protection'

This year I planted half my sweetcorn in tubes and half in big pots (5 to a pot) Transplanted them all at the same time, same soil, conditions, fertilizer etc. Absolutely no difference in plant size. condition, quantity of cobs at all.

Feltham First are what madmum sent me (where is she by the way?) and I have not cloched them and they have been alright with the frosts so far.  If it gets really cold, I might give them a bit of protection.

[flowerlady]

I've become a manic about tubes.

and at this time of year there are all those Christmas wrapping paper rolls.   ;D

[jennym]

I jammed as many as I could into seed trays.........

I also use seed trays for the early peas. I use the deep green ones that Homebase sell for 99p. (I don't pierce the holes in them)
I put about 1.1/2" (40mm) of compost in, and water it very well indeed. Then very thickly sprinkle peas over this.
Then cover with dryish soil about 1", and as soon as they poke their heads through, I go over to the plot, make a furrow with the hoe, and sprinkle them in from the tray, then almost cover with soil and let them get on with it.

[Derekthefox]

Cheers for that comment Chriszog, I have a stomach with the constitution of .... well whatever has a good constitution !!!

I eat loads of curry and it rarely makes me use more loo roll !!!!

Derekthefox ;D

[Rose.mary]

I sowed peas, beans, parsnips and sweetcorn in tubes, all with great success, but the ones with sweetcorn grow some sort of fungi in the bottom :o :o. The sweetcorn was OK though.

Rosemary

[Icyberjunkie]

I didn't know any better and planted the mini-pop sweetcorn in  modules and then planted them same as everything esle - it didnlt seem to make any difference and had some wonderfully large plants.  May of just been lucky though.

Thanks for all the feedback,  Iain