Fun With Pea Seeds

I've been fretting about my pea seedlings because I planted them with the monster Blue Lake Bush Beans before I knew they worshiped the dark side. The beans are huge, and while the peas started growing tall, they are browing at the bottom.

So, I planted a few more pea seedlings. These are Dark Seeded Early Perfection from Burpee.

Then, I decided to do a little experiment.

Beth Botts mentioned sprouters when she spoke at my local garden club last week. I decided to build my own, nothing fancy.

I started with a small pie tin that came with a plastic cover, seeds and an old wash cloth (saving paper so not using paper towels as often recommended):

I soaked the wash cloth in warm water and stuffed half of it in the tin:

Got my pea seeds ready. Some say I should have soaked them in water for an hour or so first, but I didn't do that as my towel was well soaked:

Then, I put the seeds in the towel:

And I placed the other half of the warm, damp wash cloth over them:

As such:

Then, I placed the plastic top over them to create a greenhouse effect:

I put them in the sun, not for light, but for warmth.

A couple of days later and this is what I have:

Pea sprouts.

I'm keeping them warm and moist and going to plant them as soon as I get a chance.