do I need to soak pea seeds before planting them? I am going to grow them inside in a propagator.
You don't have to, but it speeds the process up... otherwise they have to absorb the moisture from the compost before sprouting.
Don't let them soak for more than 24 hours. Peas are susceptible to rot, so I wouldn't recommend the damp atmosphere of a propagator. They need a bit of warmth, but a windowsill would be enough. Once it warms up a little they can go in a cold frame, but it's too cold for that at the moment.
I used to sow mine in lengths of guttering then transplant. Last year I just did direct sowing in the ground straight from the packet. Had great germination and great crops too. The only variety I transplanted were Petite Poits pea plants I was given; and they were abysmal.
I don't tend to soak my peas, I put them on damp kitchen roll until they produce a sign of a root, that way you can take out any that rot. I am not sure they need much heat, I put them on my coldest northfacing windowsill.
I have already put some outside under cloches but I might be being a bit hopeful, I have more in pots.
Thanks for the advise they are soaking, but will plant them first thing in the morning and put them on the windowsill.
They'll be fine; just remember they need a little warmth for germination, but not too much as they're a cool weather crop (if that's not too much of a contradiction!), and don't let the seeds get too wet or they'll rot. The older round-seeded type is tougher, so I think some weaknesses have been bred in at some stage.
I can never get peas right. Yesterday I planted 12 that were soaked for a couple of hours and 12 that weren't. I'll probably do successive sowings like this for the next two months so PaulaB I can let you know how they germinate depending on the different treatment etc.
I now have the extra worry of how to keep fluffy cat bums from sitting on the seed trays!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They are monsters.
Quote from: PaulaB on February 20, 2010, 10:12:50
I now have the extra worry of how to keep fluffy cat bums from sitting on the seed trays!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They are monsters.
hehe ahah
Quote from: PaulaB on February 20, 2010, 10:12:50
I now have the extra worry of how to keep fluffy cat bums from sitting on the seed trays!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They are monsters.
I know exactly what you mean! lost a few chillis already this year due to my cats desiree to sit on the window sill..