Peas in guttering.

[Garden Manager]

Having had problems growing peas when sown direct in the ground i decided this year to try starting them off in guttering,

This i have done and on the whole have some promising plants.

The problem has been getting them in the ground. Thinking that they were rooted enough i tried sliding them out of the gutter and into the soil. However i could not get them to budge without ploughing up the compost and ruining the plants.

It is posible i have to wait a bit longer, but does anyone have any tips for getting them out intact without disturbing the roots too much.

Many Thanks.

[Garden Manager]

[Marianne]

Can you try sliding them out ?? 

[legless]

i struggled at first but you need to water them a lot then with a lot of confidence, tip them and shuffle to dislodge as if shaking a stuck omelette out of a plan and move the end of the guttering that is touching the ground along as you do it allowing the row to slip into the trench.

it didn't work when i was nervous and careful about it, i had to shake confidently.

[derbex]

I second Legless on the watering -but I'm still trying to get them out in one piece. That said they seem to sort themselves out in the ground.

Jeremy

[Garden Manager]

Marianne: Tried sliding but the compost started falling apart along with the plants so had to stop.

Legless: watering first sounds good.   Combined with guts!

I do wonder though if the plants are rooted enugh to bind the compost together. Althgough the peas have been growing for some time in the gutters since germination, so they should be rooted guite well by now.  ??? ???

Thanks

[Marianne]

Garden Cadet - Just a thought - Maybe your compost was too damp/wet ?    Maybe the root system wasn't fully formed and so the soil crumbling away  ??? ???

[Garden Manager]

Garden Cadet - Just a thought - Maybe your compost was too damp/wet ?    Maybe the root system wasn't fully formed and so the soil crumbling away  ??? ???

Most likely Marianne. I shall have to wait a bit - While the plants get eaten away by something! :o ::)

Never mind, I am sure it will be fine - just me being a pessimist as unsual!