NC writes
(Sorry for another beginner's question!)
If I place a cane next to each pea plant (they are about 6" tall now),
do I need to fix the plant to the cane as it grows, or can I just wind
the plant round ?

Peas climb by wrapping tendrils around the support rather than by the
stem winding itself around in the manner of wisteria or honeysuckle, so
there's no need to fix it to the support. That said, they do this much
more effectively on twiggy branches rather than vertical smooth canes. I
would suggest using any sort of twiggy prunings you can get your hands
on. If you are stuck with having to use canes, try making a web of
string from one to the other - the peas will find this easier to climb.

--
Kay