Pea Seeds - Marshalls Garden - Hurst Green Shaft
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For home gardeners seeking a reliable and high-yielding pea variety, Marshalls Garden Hurst Green Shaft offers an RHS Award of Garden Merit-winning experience with excellent flavor and disease resistance. While known for its ease of harvesting and soil-enriching properties, users should be aware that successional sowing is key to a prolonged harvest. This guide covers its key features, benefits, and practical advice for successful cultivation.
All features
| Model Part Number | Hurst Green Shaft |
|---|---|
| Brand | Marshalls Garden |
Extended Product Information
FAQs
What is the best time to sow Hurst Green Shaft pea seeds?
Sow seeds directly into the ground from April to June for a continuous harvest from July through September. Successional sowing every 2-3 weeks ensures a steady supply.
How tall do Hurst Green Shaft pea plants grow?
The plants typically grow to around 70cm (approximately 2.3 feet) tall, requiring moderate support.
Are these peas good for freezing?
Yes, these peas are sweet, tender, and freeze very well, retaining their excellent flavor.
Do I need to provide support for the plants?
Yes, it is recommended to provide support such as netting or canes, as the plants grow to about 70cm and benefit from being trained upwards.
What makes this variety disease resistant?
Hurst Green Shaft is specifically bred to be resistant to common pea diseases like downy mildew and fusarium wilt, which helps ensure a healthier crop.
Can these peas be grown in containers?
Yes, provided the container is deep enough (at least 30cm) and offers good drainage, and adequate support is given. Ensure sufficient sunlight and consistent watering.
How do nitrogen-fixing roots benefit my garden?
Nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the roots convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use, enriching the soil with this essential nutrient. This means less need for nitrogen fertilizers for subsequent crops.
Troubleshooting
Seeds fail to germinate
Ensure soil temperature is adequate (at least 7°C). Check for adequate moisture and avoid sowing too deep. Protect sown areas from birds or rodents.
Plants are weak and yellowing
This may indicate a lack of nitrogen or poor soil conditions. Ensure the soil is well-drained and consider amending with compost. As peas are nitrogen-fixers, this is unusual unless soil is severely depleted or drainage is very poor.
Powdery mildew or downy mildew appears
While Hurst Green Shaft is resistant, severe conditions can still cause issues. Ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove affected leaves promptly. Resistant varieties offer the best protection.
Pods are forming but are small or empty
This can be due to insufficient water, heat stress, or lack of pollination. Ensure consistent watering, especially during dry spells, and provide shade during intense heat if possible.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent disease resistance minimizes potential crop failure.
- High yield with abundant double pods.
- Easy to pick due to pod formation location.
- Superior sweet and tender flavor.
- Beneficial for soil health through nitrogen fixation.
- Suitable for exhibition due to quality.
Cons
- Requires successional sowing for a continuous harvest.
- Plants reach a moderate height (70cm), potentially needing some support.
- Best grown in cooler spring/summer conditions.
- Susceptible to aphid infestations if not monitored.
- Seed viability may decrease if stored improperly over long periods.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Sowing:
- Prepare a sunny, well-drained location. Peas prefer cooler soil, so aim for sowing as soon as the ground can be worked, typically from April to June.
- Sow seeds directly into the soil about 5cm deep and 15cm apart. For successional sowing, repeat every 2-3 weeks.
- Provide support such as netting, canes, or a trellis, as the plants will grow to around 70cm tall.
Compatibility:
- Peas are excellent companion plants for root vegetables like carrots and radishes.
- Avoid planting near onions or garlic, as they can stunt pea growth.
- They benefit from being planted in rotation with other crops, especially after brassicas.
Care:
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and pod development. Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the foliage, which can encourage disease.
- Weeding: Keep the area around the peas free from weeds, which compete for nutrients and water.
- Support: Ensure the support structure is in place before the plants grow too tall.
- Harvesting: Pick pods regularly once they are well-filled to encourage the plant to produce more.