Pea tall round seeded Mechelse Krombek

Growing the pea variety "Mechelse Krombek" involves similar steps to cultivating other pea varieties. Here's a general guide on how to grow tall round-seeded peas:

**1. Planting Time:**
- Peas, including "Mechelse Krombek," are cool-season crops. Plant seeds as early as possible in spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. Alternatively, you can sow seeds in late summer for a fall harvest.

**2. Soil Preparation:**
- Choose well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0 to 7.0). Peas prefer fertile soil rich in organic matter. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.

**3. Sunlight:**
- Peas thrive in full sun, but they can tolerate partial shade.

**4. Planting Seeds:**
- Sow "Mechelse Krombek" pea seeds directly into the ground. Plant seeds about 1 to 2 inches deep and 2-3 inches apart in rows spaced 18-24 inches apart. Consider providing support for the vines, such as a trellis, pea netting, or stakes.

**5. Watering:**
- Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and pod development. Water deeply and regularly, particularly during dry periods. Avoid waterlogged conditions.

**6. Fertilization:**
- Peas are not heavy feeders, but they benefit from a well-balanced fertilizer at planting time. Side-dress with additional fertilizer when the plants start flowering.

**7. Mulching:**
- Mulch around the base of the plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a more even soil temperature.

**8. Support Structures:**
- Since "Mechelse Krombek" peas are tall, providing support is essential. A trellis or pea netting helps keep the vines upright and makes harvesting easier.

**9. Companion Planting:**
- Peas are good companions for many vegetables, including carrots, radishes, and cucumbers. Avoid planting them near onions or garlic.

**10. Pests and Diseases:**
- Keep an eye out for common pea pests like aphids, pea moths, and powdery mildew. Use insecticidal soap for pests and treat powdery mildew with a fungicide if necessary.

**11. Harvesting:**
- Harvest "Mechelse Krombek" peas when the pods are well-filled and the peas are still tender. Pick the pods regularly to encourage further production. Overripe pods can become tough and fibrous.

**12. Culinary Uses:**
- Enjoy "Mechelse Krombek" peas fresh in salads, stir-fries, or as a side dish. They can also be blanched and frozen for later use. Adjust cooking times based on your preference for tenderness.

Adjust care based on your local climate and growing conditions. If you have specific recommendations or information about "Mechelse Krombek" peas, consider incorporating those into your cultivation practices.