Gardening disasters

[Janmor]

HI
Could anyone tell me why my peas all rotted in their pots before germinating please? They were in the greenhouse so were nice and warm but when nothing had appeared after 3 weeks I poked around in the pots and there they were all slimy and mushy. Do you think I could have overwatered them? I am quite new to veggie gardening so any advice would be appreciated.

[pigletwillie]

Firstly Janmor, welcome to the grapevine. Feel free to join in but most of all enjoy yourself.

Now to the peas, almost certainly they were overwatered.

All seeds obviously need water to germinate so soak the pot when you sow them, then only water lightly when the pots start to dry out. Do not keep them wet, only just damp.

For flat seeds such as pumpkin, sowing them on edge also helps prevent rotting.

[Flummery]

Welcome Janmor. Killed 'em with kindness I think! We all start out so determined that our plants won't dry out that we drown them! There still time to sow some more. Happy gardening.

Flum

[shirlthegirl43]

Hello and welcome to the vine Janmor. Better luck with the next lot of peas.

[Snadger]

It sounds like you killed them with kindness but they could also have been duff seeds I suppose!
Welcome to the vine Janmor and good luck with your next sowing!

[JennieAtkinson]

Welcome to the Grapevine Janmor! You'll soon be hooked like the rest of us - loads of advice available for all your questions!

[dexterdoglancashire]

hi Janmore sorry about your peas - but you are in the best place to get the best advice re: any questions, queries etc you may have! Plant some more seeds, and good luck! Looking forward to hearing how you get on.

[Paulottie]

Hello Janmore, Welcome to the vine.

A few of us use a 4' piece of old guttering to sow our peas then slide the whole lot into the garden. It is cheaper and easier than 30 pots.

Unfortunately it is unwise to reuse the compost in which the others rotted to sow the next batch and you should wash the pots. You'll find you can't help being a bit more curious about what might come in handy when you wander past a skip!

Good luck.

[LaurenGrows]

Hi Janmore and welcome to the Vine.
Sorry to hear about your peas. I wish you better luck with your next sowing

[muckdiva]

Welcome Janmor, sounds like overwatering to me (been there, done that ). I often find it helps to soak large seeds like peas and beans in a cup overnight before planting as this speeds up germination. Have fun!

[Mrs Dobby]

Hi Janmoor and a warm welcome to the madhouse! Cant add anything to thge brill advice so far, but do hope your next sowing does better for you!