Pea support?

[jessie15]

Hi I have never grown peas before, I have started some off in the greenhouse (petit pois) and will be planting them up in a large barrel just not sure what kind of support to use, I would prefer something nice to look at. I saw some hazel twigs for sale in a local garden centre but they were asking over £4 each!!! needless to say I did not purchase any. Does anyone have any advice? Also when can they be planted outside?

[Two_Sheds]

Almost any kind of shrubby prunings will do: I used blackthorn once, but never again (a bit sharp, come picking time).

What about a wigwam of bamboo canes, with chicken wire wrapped around (it'll be covered in foliage in no time).

[jessie15]

What a good idea! How high do they grow? the variety is PeeWee 65.

[Two_Sheds]

I just googled (its Peawee).
Height: 30"

[jessie15]

Thank you again Two Sheds. How many should I plant in a barrel with a diameter of 24"? And can they be planted out now or should I wait?

[Gwyndy]

Harden them off before planting out. When you do plant them protect from pigeons - they'll love 'em!!

[jessie15]

Ok thank you, but what about the spacing??

[Two_Sheds]

I put my peas 2" apart each way

[miffy]

I've got a bamboo plant in my garden which i regularly need to cut back i save the canes and when the leaves have died back it leaves a nice twiggy top to it, i've used this for supporting my peas before. If you don't have anything like that in your own garden you could try collecting fallen twigs in a wood as it isn't against the law to collect twigs that have fallen off trees, they would be free and look nice too. Sorry don't know whether you have access to things like that,two sheds advice sounds really good though.