what can I use as twiggy pea sticks

jap200

Hello all you gardeners

I am growing various types of peas for the first time ever and notice that some need to have "twiggy pea sticks" for support. I saw some bunches of these in the garden centre, but as a true MSE I can't possibly spend money on sticks!

My question is - can I simply cut some twiggy branches off trees and shrubs in my garden and use these? Last year I used some thick sections of philodelphus as stakes in the garden and some of them started to sprout - although this was rather nice, I don't particulary want my "twiggy pea sticks" to start growing, so should I do something to them first?

Also, is there any other way of providing support for peas?

paddy's_mum

Twigs cut from any kind of tree or shrub should be fine. Perhaps go for a walk across a common near you and see what it laying around that may be of use to you. Personally, I wouldn't worry about shrub twigs sprouting. At the end of the growing season, just pull them up and discard.

An alternative method for any climbing veg is to make a roof-shaped structure (think the steel frames of old fashioned camping tents) from something salvaged, such as old roof batten, and cover it on both sides and up over the top rail with cheap plastic netting. Beans and peas planted at the foot of the frame will readily grow up the netting.

If you want to be really frugal, either tie the ends together or fix with vaselined screws so that come the autumn, you can easily take it apart and store for next year's crops.

Penelope_Penguin

jap200 wrote: »

My question is - can I simply cut some twiggy branches off trees and shrubs in my garden and use these? Last year I used some thick sections of philodelphus as stakes in the garden and some of them started to sprout - although this was rather nice, I don't particulary want my "twiggy pea sticks" to start growing, so should I do something to them first?

That's what we use; just pull them out when the peas are finished. Here they are:




Penny. x

jap200

Penelope_Penguin wrote: »

That's what we use; just pull them out when the peas are finished. Here they are:

Penny. x

Great to have the photo - thanks. It looks a lot simpler than I was imagining.

Good luck in your race for life by the way. I have just registered to do the Ashford, Kent one at the end of June. Rather a challenge for me as I normally avoid any exercise - except gardening of course.