Another germination question...

[rabbit]

I sowed 12 peas 4th Feb in a normal seed module (unheated) inside the lean to (cold but very well lit)

They were good, fresh seeds from a recommended company but only one has germinated, I wonder what I did wrong? Maybe, given my other thread, it was over watering? However other seeds in the same tray, including sweet pea have flourished.

I gave a lot of the seeds away to a friend but I can sow again properly. Maybe I should have sprouted them first?

[Bigmallly]

Hi rabbit, I was gonna suggest what you have said in your last sentence. Try some in damp kitchen roll then plant on when germinated. Try them in empty loo rolls/kitchen rolls as they like a long root system.

[veggiechicken]

I start all my seeds indoors at this time of year, rabbit.

[Potstubsdustbins]

Have a poke around I think you will find the pea seed has turned to goo. With the temperatures we have been experiencing I think you would be lucky to get any peas to germinate. The optimum temp for germinating peas is about 50`F.

Potty

[Alison]

I think that they are just too cold. I've got peas and mange tout in the cold greenhouse but they were all germinated indoors first. I find the damp kitchen roll too much of a phaff but get very good results using normal multi purpose compost in sections of guttering which then means it's very quick to plant out, just slide the whole row out rather than having to plant individually. That said, seeing as you've already sown in modules I'd bring them inside and see what happens.

[Alison]

Try them in empty loo rolls/kitchen rolls as they like a long root system.

They're fine without depth (unlike beans ), the guttering I use is only a few inches deep and they do really well until they're planted out and you use less compost and save time planting so it's a general win win thing.

[out in the cold]

I presume peas and beans like similar conditions?

We started our broad and dwarf beans the last week in Jan in loo roll filled with compost, keeping them on a shelf near the kitchen window. They have come on great

[rabbit]

VC, the lean to is inside, just not heated. Also, I forgot to say that theyve been inside for over a week now. If it was cold wouldnt the other types of seeds have died too? I'll poke around but maybe I need to start from scratch on loo rolls.

[binley100]

I use wide shallow pots and sow about 5 in each one , then plant the whole thing out. Just give a little more room between each potful. Just cos I find it easier to transport pots rather than guttering up to the lottie.....

[veggiechicken]

VC, the lean to is inside, just not heated. Also, I forgot to say that theyve been inside for over a week now. If it was cold wouldnt the other types of seeds have died too? I'll poke around but maybe I need to start from scratch on loo rolls.

Different seeds have different temperature requirements and take different times to germinate. When they're just sown, they don't need light, so I start my seeds inside, usually in the kitchen. As soon as they show any sign of life they go to the windowsill. Maybe you could try your next peas somewhere with heating. They shouldn't take very long to germinate. then move them into the leanto.
The other explanation could be that you've planted some seeds deeper than others. Are there any roots showing under the module?

[Darwin.]

I planted peas in a propegator a few days ago, the bloke in the garden centre told me to soak them in water first and they'd do better. I've never tried that before but I gave it a go this time.

[Two_Sheds]

I sowed 12 peas 4th Feb

were they round (winter) peas, or wrinkled (summer) pea seeds?

If it was cold wouldnt the other types of seeds have died too?

Depends. As said before, different seeds have different requirements.

You do get duds, which is why I chit (sprout) my peas & beans (& parsnips) before planting. It saves compost, space & disappointment

[WendyC]

I have over watered peas before and now I water when I plant them but then not again until they are up. Mine are in my unheated greenhouse and are slowly coming through. I may bring indoors if it doesn't warm up soon. They are Meteor, including the 8 free ones I got with the mag!

[rabbit]

Different seeds have different temperature requirements and take different times to germinate. When they're just sown, they don't need light, so I start my seeds inside, usually in the kitchen. As soon as they show any sign of life they go to the windowsill. Maybe you could try your next peas somewhere with heating. They shouldn't take very long to germinate. then move them into the leanto.
The other explanation could be that you've planted some seeds deeper than others. Are there any roots showing under the module?

Well, yes, I hadn't though of that! Maybe they are just a bit slower to germinate. I will have a dig around and see if they are mush or have roots.

were they round (winter) peas, or wrinkled (summer) pea seeds?
Depends. As said before, different seeds have different requirements.
You do get duds, which is why I chit (sprout) my peas & beans (& parsnips) before planting. It saves compost, space & disappointment

Yes, I read about sprouting peas a while ago and must have forgotten. Seems logical They are wrinkled peas. I'm really excited about fresh peas in the garden so I hope I don't kill all of them!

[Normans Mum]

I've planted 3 different types of pea (all in modules) and then after sowing them thought " OOPS.... maybe I should have used loo rolls... :O" but they seem to be coming along ok...
Never thought of chitting parsnip seeds... might try that one. Last year I put all my parsnips in loo rolls and the slugs came along and ate every single one.