Davis Farming: Peas

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

Hi vegetable-growing neighbors,

A question: Would this weekend be too soon to plant Alaska peas in containers? I haven't grown peas before, but sources on the interwebs say they need to be planted early enough for the crop to mature before it gets really hot out and they stop producing. But I didn't find regional date ranges. Is it planting time or should I wait?

Also, Topsy-Turvy Planters. Have you seen them locally? There were none at Pemby's or Lowe's last weekend, but again, maybe I'm chomping at the bit. (I have access to a kind-hearted car person, so I'm not limited to the T).

Thank you!

Comments

[inahandbasket]

If they're frost tolerant you can do 'em now, but it's awfully early.
We're definitely going to be dropping below freezing a couple more times before it's planting time for most veggies. Not sure about Alaska Peas per-se.

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

They may be frost tolerant, what with the Alaska-ness. Though I agree, I really ought to wait another week or two.

[curiositykt.livejournal.com]

The general theory on planting anything is don't put them outside until the last date of freeze. Though if you have containers that can go in and out, and the will to check the weather and bring them in and out, you could probably start them now. They might get leggy though.

The last freeze date, according to the victory garden seed company, for Boston is May 3rd.

This is also useful:
http://www.almanac.com/content/frost-chart-united-states

[maelithil.livejournal.com]

There are plenty of things you can sow outside before the last frost date. Cold weather crops, like peas, beets, spinach, greens, etc, all need to be in the ground well before the end of April if you want a spring crop.

The key is for the ground to not be too wet, or there's a chance the seeds will rot before sprouting. It's much more accurate to go by soil temperature rather than date, anyway. If the soil's between 40F and 60F cold weather crops will do great.

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

That's a great resource! Thanks! i like the chart by zip code. Looks like I maybe wasn't so far off the mark after all.

[starphire.livejournal.com]

Well, we plant peas this early sometimes, if the ground isn't still frozen. If you're planting into containers that could possibly be brought inside in the event of a serious cold snap, I'd say go for it. If not, you take a chance and if you lose them you can always plant again. I think they're actually a little frost-tolerant anyway. It's one of the first things we plant each season, and we plant a second crop for fall harvest (which is another gamble).

[starphire.livejournal.com]

ETA: All of the peas we wanted to plant this spring are now in the ground.

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

That's great! I am now thinking I might bring the containers inside for planting and just let the seeds germinate. Then I can bring them outdoors the following weekend.

[maelithil.livejournal.com]

I'm planning on planting my peas outside this weekend, if I get around to it. I planted them around the last frost date last year (which, for Somerville, is the 22 of April) and it was way, way too late. Conventional wisdom, I've heard, says around St. Patrick's day. We have a very short season for cold vegetables in the spring, it'll go from freezing to way too hot before the plants can mature and produce.

Outside, peas should be planted when the soil is between 40F and 60F. They're not going to be harmed particularly by freezes, they're built sturdy. Now, container growing is different because containers don't hold heat as well as the ground does. I'd hold off for a couple more weeks, but definitely before the middle of April.

[starphire.livejournal.com]

*nods* I was thinking about the container aspect for early planting. On the one hand, if the containers get good sun during the day, the soil will warm up quicker, though the gain could be offset by the loss of heat on cold nights. If I could get free solar warming from the location, I'd consider putting a clear plastic tent over them - not in contact with the containers, though. That'll keep cold winds from carrying heat away as quickly, yet still let in the warming rays of the sun. Dark colored containers would be best for this.

[maelithil.livejournal.com]

Yeah, the temperature differential in containers between day and night is much greater than that of the soil and it can stress plants. Covering the containers (or the seedlings planted in the ground for that matter!) is going to help a lot. I use an old set of sheets or two. :)

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

I was wondering if maybe I should bring the containers in this weekend for planting and letting the seeds germinate inside, then taking them outside the following weekend.

[maelithil.livejournal.com]

Be careful with that, seedlings need to harden before they get placed outside permanently, or they'll go into shock. The difference in temperature, light, and wind between inside and outside means you need to acclimate them. Put them outside just for the day, in a bright spot away from direct sunlight, and bring them back indoors at night. Do it for at least a week.

This works for seedlings transplanted outside after the last frost date, though, I'm not so sure about just germinated seedlings. If I were you, I'd plant them outside in a week or two and take some care to insulate the containers a little, maybe with some straw or leaves, and throw an old sheet over them if frost is forecast.

Good luck! Spring peas are delicious!

[hrafn.livejournal.com]

I've always soaked my peas for several hours/overnight, or even let them -just barely- start to sprout, and then planted them; the instructions I was reading recommended that method. I have put sugar snaps into the ground in mid- or late March and they've been perfectly happy.

[badseed1980.livejournal.com]

I saw Topsy Turvy planters at the Christmas Tree Shop at Assembly Square the other day.

[jamiesquared.livejournal.com]

I have a Topsy Turvy tomato planter I have not used from last summer...it has been stored well with my gardening stuff. I live in Teele, you could have it if you would want it :)

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

Oooh, I would love to take it! Thanks so much for the offer!

If you can store it for another week, I could come get it from you (this weekend is already scrunched). If that works, I'll email you to make pland. :-)

[jamiesquared.livejournal.com]

No problem. I have had it stored this long, another week is nothing!

[shadow.livejournal.com]

TJ Maxx in Downtown Crossing has Topsy Turvy strawberry planters

[403.livejournal.com]

Today, I saw topsy-turvy planters at Tags in Porter Sq.

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

Ooooh! I'm so there! Thanks!

[neuroacorn.livejournal.com]

AWESOME ICON! :D