peas - zig zag ?

[gingerneil]

Hi all - first post here.. so go easy !

I am using mesh attached between fence posts to support peas (Early Onward). Last year, I planted then in a zig zag fashion in a groove 6inches wide - they were then supported by a pyramid of mesh. This year, should I still go zig zag even though I only have a single vertical support ?

(hope this makes sense!)

[Digger-07]

Welcome to the vine ginger. I grow my peas the same way as you and always get good results.

[gingerneil]

Thanks.
So you do them in a line ? What spacing ?

[*Feather*]

Welcome to the vine gingerneil!

Last year I supported my peas the same way as you, with a mesh between two posts, but I planted to rows of peas, one for each side of the mesh and it got a bit heavy. I think planting them in zig zag is a very good idea, so they don't all grow on the same side and hopefully won't pull the mesh down too much.

For spacing I would say about 10cm between seeds and 20cm betweem rows. I hope it helps!

[gingerneil]

Welcome to the vine gingerneil!

Last year I supported my peas the same way as you, with a mesh between two posts, but I planted to rows of peas, one for each side of the mesh and it got a bit heavy. I think planting them in zig zag is a very good idea, so they don't all grow on the same side and hopefully won't pull the mesh down too much.

For spacing I would say about 10cm between seeds and 20cm betweem rows. I hope it helps!

The 'problem' is though, I am planning to support them with a mesh attached to the fence - so only one side is available for support. Question is - should I still plant zig zag, or straight ?

[Digger-07]

I would plant them in a single row about 10cm apart and let them grow up the support. You will find that the flowers and therfore the peas will face the light and "set" away from the fence.

[sewer rat]

Hi Gingerneil
Welcome to the madhouse.
Just to be different from all my fellow grapes, I started my peas in lengths of guttering in my greenhouse last year. I sowed them zig-zag fashion every three inches (that's 6 inches between peas on the zig, 6 inches between peas on the zag ) and then planted two gutter lengths, one each side of a weldmesh support. So in effect I had four rows of peas, two on either side of my fairly solid support. I experienced no probs with mildew, despite what I expected and so long as I kept them well watered they thrived.

[dexterdoglancashire]

Hi gingerneil and welcome to the vine! You'll find lots of friendly grapes who have a huge wealth of knowledge on all things growing veg. Looking forward to reading your posts and what you will be growing this year. Bernie aka Dexterdog