Pisum sativum 'Fortune'

Peas are easy to grow, producing masses of pods loaded with sweet-tasting peas that can be eaten raw or cooked, and used in salads, stir-fries and as a traditional accompaniment to meat dishes. The sweetness of peas quickly diminishes after picking, so it's best to eat them as soon after harvesting as possible.

There are many pea varieties to choose from, ranging from early maturing peas that can be sown in autumn and are ready to harvest in June, to maincrop cultivars that don't mature until October. Dwarf varieties don't need staking but produce fewer pods, while sugar snap and manetout peas are the easiest to grow.

Pisum sativum 'Fortune' is claimed to be a replacement for the older variety 'Feltham First', boasting reliable yields of excellent quality peas. For best results grow in moist but well-drained soil. Before sowing, dig in plenty of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure. Most varieties need to be given some support, such as netting or pea sticks. For the juiciest peas, water the plants once a week as soon as the plants begin to flower and form pods.