Peas in a pod

July is a slow growth month, the middle of winter when everything tends to stand still. But not if you want to grow microgreens. Garden peas as microgreens are as tasty and sweet, if not sweeter, than fully grown peas. There are three ways to grow microgreen peas. Firstly, as sprouts that are harvested just after germination. Or they can be left to develop baby leaves and then harvested as microgreens. Thirdly, they can be left to grow beyond microgreen stage to develop the first true leaves and tendrils. Food aficionados know how desirable pea tendrils are as a garnish!

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[WHAT TO SOW NOW]

Summer rainfall areas

Peas; cabbage and tomato (indoors); and in less frosty areas: lettuce, parsnip, radish, Swiss chard and turnip.

Winter rainfall areas

Beetroot, carrot, cucumber, celery, lettuce, peas and turnip.

Lowveld and KwaZulu-Natal coast

Beetroot, beans, brinjal, chilli, carrot, cucumber, mealie, melon, squash, pumpkin, radish, Swiss chard and tomato.

[KITCHEN GARDEN TASKS]

• In summer rainfall areas, keep an eye on the moisture levels in your veggie patch - don't allow the soil to dry out completely.

• Feed brassicas such as broccoli with a midwinter plant tonic such as Margaret Roberts Organic Supercharger.

• Cover frost-tender veggies with frost cloth.

• In tropical frost-free areas, keep sowing summer and winter veggies, and remember to water and feed them as needed.

Pea sprouts

Watering tip

When the seed tray feels light, it needs to be watered. Place it in a larger tray half-filled with water and let it soak up the water, then remove and drain. This can be done every day or as necessary.

Getting started