Some weeks ago I planted some peas in three excess strips of pvc guttering and placed them in the greenhouse to germinate. After a some days they were up and I waited until they were large enough to place out into the selected and prepared plot. Finally the day came when we could plant those peas. It seemed as if it had taken forever to get to this stage. The weather remained cold and cloudy. --Not actually bad conditions for peas, but I think that the night temps were so cold that development was hindered. You will be able to see some peas that I had planted directly into the ground before placing the peas in the gutters in the greenhouse. At the time that I planted the guttered peas, the peas planted in-situ are far less developed. Oké then--moving along with the project... The first thing to do was to make furrows to receive the guttered peas. I have a special tool for this. It is like a "hand plough". I just hack it into the ground at one end of the bed and then pull it towards myself. If I want it really nice I can go back and forth a couple more times. Because I was going to plant these peas a little deep, I re-"ploughed" the furrows in order to insure that the peas would be easily received as they slid out of the gutter lengths. Once the furrow has been made, it was time to slip the peas into the furrows. We squeezed and pulled the sides of the guttering widely so that the soil and plants would not be adhered to the walls of the gutter. Next, my partner placed the guttering into the furrow and shook the gutter length gently and walked backwards. I knelt close by to help the process, and be sure that the peas did not bunch-up. At the very ends of the furrows were empty places where we placed more peas germinated at home on the windowsill. BTW--This is the foto and the two above it are ones where you can see the peas that had been planted in the ground some time before (behind where we were working). When the entire procedure was completed, then we placed pvc hoops and threw an old piece of curtain over them. Personally, I think that we had the most attractive plant covering on the entire complex. This curtain panel was given to us by one of the neighbour plot-holders. He had had it over his apple tree and after the harvest he just let it lie on the ground for a few months. Finally my partner asked him what his plans were for that curtain and he said that he was planning to throw it away. He asked if my partner would like to have it as it would save him the trouble and messiness in his auto if we took it. Of course we took it. We are always looking for second-hand sheers and such to protect our plants with. The next time that he came to the gardens, we called him over to have a look at his old curtain. He was so impressed that he wanted a pic to show his wife. The next day he came with his bride to have a look. She liked the looks of it too! Well, this is a handy technique to germinate and plant peas. It is quite a bit less work than the conventional methods. A couple of tips: 1)--Be sure to keep them watered on time. Do not let them dry out. Because there is less soil, one must be aware that the guttering can dry out quickly during hot and sunny spells. 2)--Close-off the ends with duct tape or the proper plastic end-pieces that come with the guttering. One can find these in the same place they buy guttering. This could be a hardware store for instance. 3)--Do not water the guttering right before planting them in the ground, as the soil will adhere to the sides and bottom of the guttering. This will; of course, result in an uneven planting result. They will bunch-up and not go into the furrow evenly spaced. 4)--Whether you try to slide the peas out dry or moist...stretch the guttering and make the soil as loose as possible in the guttering. That is to say, "break" the soil loose from the bottom and sides. If you do this, it will slide-out more easily for you in a more controlled manner. 5)--This technique can be used for peas, but also other veggies or flowering plants. Basically, anything that you want to plant in a row or in several rows. If you try it good luck and let us know how it works out for you.
This is the second time I've seen someone use that gutter method for planting. Sure looks to be a time saver and plant saver.
Thanks for your comment, CHERYL--Well, it did save me time...and space too. Instead of germinating these peas in root-trainers all at home on the windowsill and tables, I did them in the greenhouse. Space at home is always a problem for me. Thanks CAROLYN-- I'll bet it would be great for lettuces too. Ideal, in fact. I may have to give it a try.
Thanks for posting Sjoerd, were in the last week of moving house and leaving my old garden behind. So its nice to see other peoples gardens as i cant play in mine. Have to admit sowing peas is one job i really hate doing. As i do area planting rather than rows. Wish you hadn't posted the curtains pic as my wife is now asking why my covers never look that nice thanks buddy.. although i did suggest using her lace curtains. Whats your plans for pea support with them being in rows. I have a collection of peas sticks (branches) that i use. are you planning to do mid and late season plantings, or follow them with summer veg crop?
Thanks KK--Now its up to Mother Nature. DAN-- Hello mate. Great to see you back on here. Sorry your bride had to see my curtain cover. Had I only known...I would have used mesh. chuckle. Plans for pea support: Well for the low peas, I will simply use pruned tree branches. For the tall Capucijners and other climbing peas I shall construct a simple rack with wide-mesh fencing. I am weighing whether or not to do mid-summer planting. I will not do late summer plantings, as I want to plant the emptying plots with green manure (Phacelia) The weather here has been terrible and so I am at least 3 weeks behind and what has been planted (as well as the perennials) are so stunted that it makes making fast plans impossible. We had frost last night.
thanks, will pop by for a dose of gardening when i can. thanks for the info must admit start of this year has been bad here too, although i think the roses might flower before we leave.
We're way behind too! Sounds like a global thing with the weather! Sjoerd, great post! Love that curtain cover! Classy! I really like your plow like hoe. I do the same with my regular hoe, but that looks a lot more convenient. Did you make it or have it made? Very clever.
DAN--You are welcome. It is such a pity that you are leaving your place since you have worked so hard on your yard/garden. Fingers crossed for the roses. BUNKIE--Thanks for your commernts. Glad that you liked the fancy curtain-cover. hahaha. In a way it looks outta place, and in another way it looks just right. As for the plough/hoe: It is a very old tool. I found it and bought it (second hand...or more) for 5 euro's a number of years ago. I only use it in the spring, but it makes planting spuds and other things that I want to plant a bit deep really easy.
Oh you are so awesome thank you very much! You actually gave me a brilliant idea, thanks to your awesome curtain idea Thx for the tips, will pass on to my hubby, he may like the idea of the guttering.
thx buddy, but looking forward to the new garden. Its going to be just over the north sea from you in grimsby uk.
Mmmmm,we might have to adopt this strategy too Sjoerd so thank you for sharing. Thankfully,I don't have any spare net curtains
Thank you so much Mizz G--Don't you just say the nicest things. I am happy to see that you liked the post. I hope that your idea turns out to be a good one for you. Hello DAN-- What a surprise that you are coming over this way. The folks in the British Isles are world renown for their gardening and garden supplies. You ought to have a very good experience there. Whilst there you can enjoy the great wildlife and gardening shows on the telly. Keep me posted. You are most welcome KM--Hope you can use the idea to your benefit. As for the curtains...heh heh heh--yeah, I know. They are OTT....buuuut they are effective.
