I planted a couple of rows of peas yesterday and had every intention of planting another 4 rows today. Unfortunately, it's raining. This is the earliest I have ever planted them, but I know they will be fine. I had a horticulturist tell me many years ago that peas could be planted in Edmonton by mid April in any year and last year, in my MG course, we discussed this, too. Our instructor said much the same thing. You shouldn't have any problems with them, Michele. Normally, my sweet peas are the first seeds that I plant. I haven't got all of mine in yet, but I did seed a basket full of a compact variety.

Shauna

I planted my peas last week. They are coming... I can feel it! LOL

I have had volunteer peas come up in March and they did fine through snows and frosts, so I would say they would be ok for you.

Sweet peas hate my guts so I can't comment on them.

Forgot to add, beans are a little more sensitive to cold. I will be waiting until mid May to plant mine.

Yes beans are VERY sensitive to the cold....I start mine indoors and plant the plants out after danger of last frost. The season is really short here though so I have to start them early or I don't get a crop. Bean seeds will rot in cold wet soil, and won't grow in cold soil.

Sierra

Well I didn't have that many bean seeds anyway...and besides that they were old...I found them when I was cleaning out my seed box so I figured what the heck.
Glad to know the peas should be fine tho.

Sierra, how soon do you start your beans indoors before you put them out? I have some bush beans I haven't done anything with yet. They are a marginal crop here, but I was going to make some covers for them and see how it goes.

Hunnerbun, please keep me posted on how you make out with your peas in that early, cause I've never taken the plunge thinking "early" for zone 1b would be more like early May.

Toots

I start my beans anytime now and they will be the last thing transplanted into the garden. After I transplant them I cover with garden blankets. We get the occassional frost in summer so its just safer this way.

Sierra

I planted my sweet peas 3 weeks ago as soon as the soil was workable, have done it for years and they do fine

Well I hope they like snow...they are covered with about 2" of the stuff today! Been snowing since Tuesday night.....on the up side maybe this is what my WS seeds need to get them in gear...they have just been sitting there.

I've had sweet peas actually grow quite a bit while under a late snow. They seemed to like the moisture.
Connie