My Tiny PlotMangetout
The Mangetout that we planted a few weeks ago in Jackson’s garden is growing well. He was amazed that it came up so fast and we put some sticks in for them to grow up. He wants to know if we can eat them yet? And even though I said that they won’t be ready for some time I expect he’ll still pick some and taste it, just to see!
He never believes me when I say things aren’t ready. He spat out quite a few green Strawberries last year before he admitted that I was right. He has a will of iron.
And… at the moment Jacskson’s little patch has more growing in it than my garden. All I have showing are some sprouting Onions and a row of Radish. I need to start concentrating on my patch! Ho-hum.
It’s wonderful to involve children in growing things. From being tiny my grand daughter has revelled in planting seeds here, there and everywhere! I can tell where she’s been when carrots and lettuces pop up in the fig tubs. She loves the whole process of planting, watering and, of course, harvesting! Good luck with your Mangetout, Jackson.
Fantastic, we had our daughter out these last few days helping us plant the new batch of seedlings for this summer’s crops! She loved it, every moment which was amazing considering she is only 19 months old! She got the gist mighty quick and it was brilliant. Rewarding for all concerned! Love your post, only hope more parents and grandparents are able to follow our lead!
I’ll admit that I had to look the word up to know what Mangetout was! Peas! I’m growing early peas, too. I planted in containers the first of March. They are tall enough to begin climbing their trellis-fences now. I am hoping for a harvest of mature peas in May. Are you planning to eat yours as young pods or let them form peas?
Happy gardening!
Lea
Lea’s Menagerie
Mississippi, USA
Children have a habit of showing up gardening parents. I like your labels!
Would Jackson’s tastes extend to pea shoots? He could sow some extra peas in a pot and munch on the seedlings. They also taste of pea, he wouldn’t have to wait so long and your mangetout harvest would be safe!
Lea – Mangetout are the flat type that don’t swell up into Peas. You eat the whole pod usually dipped in Hummus or similar. What do you call those in the US?
VP- great idea. Why didn’t I think of that?
Mangetout are like snow peas or sugar snap peas in the US.
Looking forward to getting our two children more involved this year. They loved mangetout last year, so much so that I didn’t get a look in!
The US names are (as Heidi has already answered) Snow Peas or Sugar Snap Peas, and they are quite often used in stir-fry type dishes. Chinese and Japanese restaurants are popular here, and almost always have them on the menu in one form or another. And they are available fresh in the grocery stores.
Happy Gardening!
Lea
Lea’s Menagerie