Shoots, Field Peas

CULTURE: Grow in a greenhouse, indoors under lights, or outside when the weather is warm 65°F (18°C). Soak seeds for 8 hours (do not re-use water). Fill flats with 1–1½” soilless media. Sow seeds thickly and cover with an inverted tray. Lightly press seeds into soil media. Leave the inverted tray on the flat for 2–3 days or until the germinating seeds lift the trays upwards an inch or so, then remove. Keep moist by misting on a regular basis or use a leak-proof tray to bottom water. If mold becomes a problem in warmer conditions the bottom watering method should be used. Shoots should be at a marketable size within 7–21 days. Grow in a dark area if a blanched final product is desired. As seedlings are growing, gently run a plant stake or your hand over the plants; this will help knock off the seed coats from the cotyledons. If some seed coats do not fall off readily, removal with fingers may be necessary. Some may not come off even with a gentle pulling; these plants should then be removed before harvest.

HARVEST: Using a sharp knife or scissors, cut the shoots just above the soil line. This should be done when shoots reach 3–6″ or what your market prefers. Place in plastic bags or sealed containers and refrigerate.