The Peas are Dead, Long Live the Peas!

Cascadia Sugar Snap Peas

The snap peas which were planted in November, 2013 have been feeding us since March 1st: raw, lightly steamed or sautéed, dressed up for a salad or added to a stir-fry. It's all been good, very good.

But the vines are dying back, powdery mildew is moving in and the new baby peas are beginning to exhibit unusual birth defects (the parental age effect in peas, perhaps? Someone could get shortlisted for an Ig Noble Prize studying this...). Which means that it's time now to replant that little patch with some summer vegetables: peppers, basil and maybe a zucchini.

Oregon Giant Snow Peas

You see, regime change really can begin at home. Gardeners have known this for years; they call it "crop rotation."

Or maybe not. Along the side of the house in March, I planted Oregon Giant Snow Peas, close cousins to the snaps peas, but more tolerant of shady conditions. The first snow peas should be ready in a day or two.

The dynasty continues...

Dinner