A horticultural specialist has identified one specific crop that should be sown from today to ensure a “head start” on homegrown produce for 2026.
Jess Caleigh disclosed that now marks the “perfect time” to plant hardy peas if gardeners want an earlier crop when spring arrives.
“If you want a strong head start, the trick is to find a hardy variety like Meteor or Felton First,” the 30-year old explained in a TikTok clip. These cultivars can endure the brutal winter weather much more effectively than other options.
“I usually sow mine in cell trays or deep pots so their roots have plenty of space,” Jess revealed.
She also advised that for the best outcomes, gardeners ought to place them somewhere sheltered in spots such as a cold frame, greenhouse or even on a bright windowsill.
“Come spring, they are ready to plant out,” Jess observed. “And you’ll have fresh peas before you know it”, reports Devon Live.
Backing Jess’ advice, the Royal Horticultural Society confirms: “You can sow peas in October if you use a hardy bean variety such as ‘Oregon Sugar Pod’. You can protect the seedlings from frost using a cloche.
“If you have a sheltered garden with well-drained soil, sowing in autumn means an earlier summer harvest of pea shoots and peas in May and June.”
The RHS also recommends planting the peas in individual containers and once they reach 15cm in height, they can be moved outside with proper support. “Plant them about 15cm apart,” they noted.
“Carefully train the tendrils around the support so that they are encouraged to use it. You can also direct sow peas outdoors, but they are often eaten by slugs before they get started on growing.”
Jess also suggested that October is a perfect time to sow a completely different variety of pea – the sweet pea, which naturally is a flowering specimen rather than a crop. “If you’ve never tried sowing sweet peas in autumn, now’s the time to give it a go,” she expressed with enthusiasm.
Jess elaborated: “They love a bit of cool weather to get started and by spring, they’ll be strong and ready to climb! I’ve sown mine in root trainers with good compost and tucked them somewhere cool and bright for winter.”
Adopting this method now will ensure the sweet peas will “burst into life” when spring arrives. Jess wrapped up by revealing that she prefers to begin the sowing process in deep containers or even old toilet rolls.
“Just pop in one or two seeds per cell, water them gently and keep them somewhere cool and bright,” she added.
After they have sprouted, Jess recommends pinching out the growing tips once they reach 10cm, which she asserts encourages them to develop “bushier” growth and will result in more blooms come springtime.
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