I assume you are direct seeding them in the garden? Checking soil temp before planting so they don't rot? What specific type of problems are you having - they sprout but then die or never even sprout?

Dave

Mainly can't get enough to sprout..........I do think they rot.........but I've even waited later and still same problem.

That is usually caused by too wet and/or too cool soil. Planting them too deep can do it too. Have you tried pre-sprouting them before planting? Do you measure your soil temp before planting? Makes a BIG difference. Optimum soil temp for germination is 60-70 degrees.

Dave

Do you have clay soil. It may be that they have a hard time breaking through the soil if it's dry on top. Plants usually emerge from the soil bent over and I have seen the tops of seedlings break off trying to get through clay soil.
Try this.
In a pail or wheel barrow mix some peat moss with some of the soil you dig out of a shallow trench. Fill the trench with water and let it soak into the ground Then plant the seed and fill in the trench with your peat soil mix. and water to wet the top layer of soil.

Peas are a cool weather vegetable but no seed will germinate if the soil is too cold so don't plant them too early. A good rule of thumb is a 2 weeks before you plant out those plants that will freeze

I don't have clay soil.........actually quite sandy, but still, I think you have something there. I will try that.........and I also think I might be planting them too early. For some reason, I thought they could go in quite a bit earlier than tomatoes, etc. It gets so hot here, I thought they needed a good cool start. Perhaps, wrongly. THanks.

<For some reason, I thought they could go in quite a bit earlier than tomatoes, etc.>

That is correct but then we don't know your location so have no idea when you would normally plant your tomatoes. :) Here my peas are planted a month before I could plant any tomatoes. But that wouldn't be true for everyone.

Peas do need a cool start. They are an early spring crop. Tomatoes are not.

If you learn to measure and monitor your soil temps - since that is what counts -then you can always insure that crops are planted at the correct time.

Dave

I need to learn how to measure soil temp apparently. I have good results with the rest of my garden. I live in southeastern Washington St. People always try to plant too early in my eyes and fight the cold and wind. I wait till May 15 for tomatoes and cukes.............other stuff, carrot seed, onions, radish seeds, beets, etc I get going earlier with no problem.......however they are in raised beds and my peas are not.
Thanks, RHonda