Why did the peas in the poly-tunnel rot & go mouldy?

[Samuel1988]

Evening,

I sowed some peas in modules in the polytunnel and I found that they went all mouldy & rotten.

Any ideas why?

Many thanks,

Samuel

[veggiechicken]

You've overwatered them!!

[Samuel1988]

Could that in addition to being very warm (there was also a cloche over the seed tray within the polytunnel) play a part

Thank you for your reply,

Samuel

[Hazel at the Hill]

Could that in addition to being very warm (there was also a cloche over the seed tray within the polytunnel) play a part

Yes - peas are pretty hardy so will not have needed the extra protection. All that this has done in this instance is to increase the humidity which has lead to mould.

[veggiechicken]

Probably!! The water had nowhere to evaporate so formed condensation on the cloche that dripped back down on the soil.

[WendyC]

I have had trouble with peas rotting before they germinate, but now I sow them into damp compost, water lightly but don't water again until the shoots appear. Can be hard to resist the urge to water.

[Samuel1988]

Thanks everyone for your replies!

Its all a learning process so another lesson to be learned

[Bill HH]

Well it didnt stop raining for months did it, My polytunnel was dripping wet for months, I didnt water anything. I had all sorts of things going mouldy. i tried ventilating and even had an electric fan but still everything was soaking. All you can do now is open up the doors in the day and hope the drier weather helps. You may have to re sow however.

[spanish_gardener]

Evening,

I sowed some peas in modules in the polytunnel and I found that they went all mouldy & rotten.

Any ideas why?

Many thanks,

Samuel

Hi Samuel,
The weather here has been horrible, snow, minus zero degrees for days, gales and pouring rain. I was elated to see the pea seeds I sow are not just sprouting but already 15 cm. grow. I planted pea purple podded, waverex and kelvedon wonder. I´ll sow douce provence and ambassador next month. If these varieties can be sown here, I'm sure you will not have any trouble growing them in London.