Page 8 - aug20

Julia’s veggies - Peas Healthy Growing, Healthy Eating

Well this year we have actually had a proper winter! With the freezing temperatures

that we have experienced, the pests must have surely been knocked back, which
bodes well for a great start to the spring vegetable garden. If you have not already
done so, get your summer seedlings started in seed trays, in a sheltered place, so
that you can plant them out when all signs of frost are over. In the meantime you
can still get a crop of tasty peas if you plant them into the ground right now
before the heat and pests return. by Julia Farmer

Varieties: (Above Left to Right) Shelling peas, Sugar snap peas, Chinese or snow peas (Pixabay)

How to grow: All pea varieties prefer being grown in the cooler weather in well-draining
soil. They need to be planted directly into the ground and in rows to make them easier to
support as they grow. While peas prefer full sun, some shade at midday is preferable. Shade net-
ting will also help protect them from birds and heavy frost. Water pea plants regularly especially
when flowering, however they do not like cold, wet soil when they are germinating and this can
cause the seed to rot. Support your pea plants using multi-branched twigs or several poles and
you will get a higher yield and they will be easier to harvest.
When to grow & How to harvest: July to September. Pods are ready to pick
about three weeks after the plants have finished flowering. The peas at the bottom of the
plant will be the first to be ready so start with them. Slightly immature pods are sweeter than
older ones. Picking pea pods encourages further growth.

Why & How to eat: If you eat the young peas, they will provide a good dose of
calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, folic acid, B vitamins, potassium, zinc and iron. All of
these nutrients act as a tonic, cleansing and boosting the liver. As already mentioned, you can
eat peas raw, or otherwise cook in boiling salted water for about five minutes only. The tips

of the vines and flowers are delicious too and can be used to decorate salads and stir fries.
Excess peas can be dried or frozen and then a handful added to casseroles and soups to add
extra flavour and goodness. 8