Peas

\We specialise in growing vining peas for seed production under strict certification standards. As part of the legume family, peas are essential to our sustainable agriculture practices due to their natural ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil. This process reduces the need for synthetic fertilisers, which are costly and environmentally harmful.

The Importance of Legumes in Agriculture
Legumes like peas engage in a symbiotic relationship with bacteria in their root nodules to fix nitrogen from the air into the soil. This natural fertilisation enhances soil health organically and promotes sustainable crop cycles. By integrating peas into our crop rotations, we improve soil fertility, which benefits the entire farming ecosystem.

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Nitrogen Fixation by Peas
At Lower Blakemere Farm, the role of peas extends beyond cultivation for seeds; they enrich the soil with essential nutrients, increasing nitrogen levels that are vital for subsequent crops. This contributes significantly to a balanced nutrient profile in our soil, supporting overall farm health and productivity.

Challenges of Growing Pea Seeds in Herefordshire
Despite the benefits, growing peas in Herefordshire presents unique challenges due to our specific soil and climatic conditions:

  • Moisture Levels: High rainfall can cause excessive soil moisture, heightening the risk of fungal diseases like root rot and mildew that are harmful to pea plants.
  • Soil Structure: The dense nature of our soil can restrict root growth. Peas thrive in well-drained conditions, so managing soil texture is crucial.
  • Pests and Diseases: Pea plants are prone to attacks from pests such as the pea weevil and diseases like Fusarium wilt, both of which can adversely affect seed quality and crop yield.

Certified Seed Production
We focus on producing high-quality, certified seed from our vining peas. These seeds undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet standards of purity and germination, are disease-free, and genetically consistent. This certification is pivotal for maintaining seed integrity and supporting the health and productivity of future crops.