Peas

We plant between 20 and 30 plants per year.  We love to pick and eat them fresh and any surplus will be frozen ready for winter.  We also make a classic pea pod wine from the pods after shucking.  The goats love the pods as well and also like to eat the plants when you dig them up however dry and manky they may look.  As peas are fairly low maintenance they represent good value for money.

Planting, care and maintenance

We plant our peas at the same time as our onions and garlic in late November, weather permitting.  We plant them in trenches about 3cms deep and normally plonk 2 or3 in each hole and about 30cms apart.  We use a pointy stick to make a hole in the bottom of the trench, drop the peas in and then cover with dirt.  We don't support the plants we just let them flop on the ground.  Even if the plant looks strong be aware that the main stalk is scarily fragile at the ground and will snap easily if you try and reposition the plant.  Why would I want to reposition I hear you ask, well, believe me there will be a time when you have no idea where the actual base of the plant is which is pretty naff when you want to water the things. 

Peas can be a bit patchy so we replant those that are missing in Spring which also helps to spread the crop further.  Given the time of year they shouldn't need watering until the start of summer and even then we avoid over watering, every 2 days or so if it's very hot.   They don't really like very hot sun.  Check them every day from the spring onwards to ensure that you remove any pods that are ready otherwise they will split.

Harvesting

When the pods are bulging and feel firm pick them.  Either eat them straight from the pod or shuck, cover with water, add a pinch of salt and some mint then bring to the boil and cook for 2 minutes.  Don't overcook the bloody things, they taste firm and fresh.

Freezing

Peas are easy. Shuck and chuck in a Ziplock bag and dump in the freezer. When you want to eat them just take what you need from the bag, they separate easily, stick them in water and cook as normal from frozen I.E bring to boil and cook for 2 minutes.