On 02/05/2013 12:23, David Hill wrote:
On 02/05/2013 11:44, michael wrote:
We have not had any significant rain here for months,and our
allotments are looking very parched.All of the seed beds
(leeks,parnsnips) are having to be watered daily,and newly planted
lettuces,spinach etc are struggling to survive.
I also have a couple of long(30') double rows of Onward peas,which are
now beginning to grow slowly after the very cold March and early
April.I am sure that if we do not get any significant rain soon (none
forecast for the next two weeks)the peas will quickly start flowering
and we will have a miniscule crop.I am reluctant to start watering 30'
rows,since once it is started,it is probably necessary every other
day,and watering ruins the soil structure.
I have been on our allotments for nearly 50 years,and have never seen
a dry period like this before.There may well be serious problems by
June/July.
Any suggestions for peas that are drying out?
Michael (Cheadle,Greater Manchester)

Do you hoe the ground?
Hoeing leaves a fine tilth on the surface and breaks up the capillary
action that siphons the water to the surface.
When you water make sure that you give enough to go down 6 inches or
more, then after watering hoe to crumb the surface.
We also have had no rain for a long time, despite forecasts. It
sometimes rains heavily a mile away but remains bone dry here. I have
long used up all the water in my three butts. Hey hoe, I hope it will
not be a repeat of last year with floods later on. That does not affect
me but I feel for those who it does. Also the price of food is going
through the roof, so another poor season will see us all in trouble.