Peas Growing Guide
Peas are a fantastic choice for home gardeners, especially beginners. They're one of the season's first crops, and you can plant them as soon as the soil is ready, even if it snows later.
There's nothing quite like the taste of freshly harvested home-grown peas. They're nature's delicious treats, and the satisfaction of growing your own peas is unmatched. If you want to start growing peas in your backyard but need help figuring out where to begin, this comprehensive growing guide is for you.
From the initial planting to final harvesting and storing, this growing guide will provide you with all the information you need for a bountiful harvest of these nutritious vegetables. Whether you're planting them in the ground, raised beds, or containers, you'll find valuable tips and advice in this guide. So, without any further ado, let's begin!
Choosing Pea Varieties
Before going into the pea planting process, let's first understand the varieties and types of peas you can grow in your garden.
Peas, scientifically known as Pisum sativum, are a popular crop in home gardens worldwide. They are members of the legume family and come in different plant varieties.
Tall pea vines can reach up to 5 feet tall. These plant varieties need support from a trellis as they climb to produce peas for an extended period. On the other hand, shorter or "bush" type plants can grow up to 2-3 feet tall. They produce all the crops at once after flowering.
Some varieties, such as semi-leafless and leafless pea vines, are less susceptible to diseases. They may not need a trellis because their tendrils can support them,
Common Types of Peas
The three most common types of peas are garden peas, snow peas, and sugar snap peas.
- Shelling peas, also known as English peas or garden peas, are the most commonly grown type. These plants need a trellis or other support to grow properly. Their seeds are sweet and starchy and must be shelled before eating. Garden peas are usually harvested when the peas inside the pods are fully mature.
- Snow peas have flat pods and are harvested when the peas inside the pods are still small and tender. They are perfect for stir-fries and salads.
- Sugar snap peas are ready to harvest when the peas inside are almost mature and the pods are still tender and juicy. They have both edible pods and peas and have a crunch and sweet flavor.
When choosing the pea types, you must consider the number of peas per pod, time to maturity, pod length, and whether the pods have strings, especially for edible-pod varieties.
Soil Requirements and Preparation
After choosing the plant variety, the next step is to test your soil and prepare it for planting seeds.
Peas grow well in a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. They prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Before planting, prepare the soil by removing any weeds or debris. Then, add compost or well-rotted manure to improve its texture and fertility.
Peas rely largely on naturally occurring soil bacteria, rhizobacteria, to obtain nitrogen from the air. They store this nitrogen in small nodules along their roots, contributing to healthy growth.
The symbiotic relationship between pea plants and rhizobacteria is highly beneficial for soil health. Peas maintain nitrogen levels in the soil and contribute to your garden ecosystem’s and overall fertility and sustainability.
Spacing Requirement
After preparing the soil, the next step is considering the spacing requirements for pea plants. When choosing a spot to grow peas in your garden, plant them in an area that receives full sunlight or partial shade, they also need enough space to grow and develop healthy root systems.
Peas usually require 2-4 inches of spacing between each plant, depending on the variety. If you're planting in rows, leave about 18-24 inches of space between each row to allow easy access and airflow.
Growing Zones
Peas are classified as cool-season vegetables and are best suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9. However, even if you live outside of these zones, you can still grow peas successfully by adjusting your planting schedule and providing additional protection from extreme weather conditions.
When to Plant Peas
Peas prefer colder temperatures, between 55 and 65 Fahrenheit. The best time to plant these plants is early spring and fall, depending on your region. In colder areas, peas can be planted in early spring as soon as the soil is workable, and there is no longer a chance of frost since frost can damage the flowers. You can plant peas in the fall for a winter harvest if you live in a warmer climate.
How to Plant Peas
Pea seeds are large and easy to sow. Before planting, soak the pea seeds in water for a few hours. This will help speed up the germination process. Handle the seeds gently, as the cracked seeds may not sprout. It is better to sow the seeds directly in the garden bed, as the pea plants are unsuitable for transplanting due to their sensitivity to root disturbance.
Make a shallow trench about 25 mm deep and plant the seeds. Gently cover the seeds with soil and water them well. Wait a few days before watering again because if the soil is too moist, the seeds might rot before they start growing. Seedlings usually begin sprouting in about 7-10 days.
Once your plants begin to flower and produce crops, frost can damage them. Watch for late spring frost forecasts, and if necessary, protect your plants by covering them with row covers or sheets.
Provide Support to Your Pea Plants
As mentioned earlier, climbing pea varieties need support to prevent them from toppling.
You can use a trellis or a pea fence for support. A trellis can be made from different materials, such as wooden stakes, wire mesh, or bamboo poles. It should be at least 5 to 6 feet tall. Place the trellis before planting the peas to avoid damaging roots later.
Another option is to use a pea fence specifically designed to support pea plants. It consists of a series of vertical posts connected by horizontal wires. Whichever method you choose, place the support on the side of the plant where the sun rises to prevent the plants from shading each other as they grow.
How to Plant Peas in Containers
Growing peas in a container is a good idea for home gardeners. These versatile vegetables require minimum space and maintenance, and you can have a bountiful harvest with little effort. Due to their shallow root system, a container with a depth of about 8 to 12 inches can accommodate pea roots and support healthy growth. You can place the seeds in the container close to each other, at least 1 inch apart, depending on the size of your container. As most pea varieties are climbing, you need to provide them with some support, like a trellis or a fence, or place the container near an area where they can stretch their vines.
Life Cycle of the Peas Plants
Peas are annual plants with a relatively short life cycle. Depending on the variety, pea plants take about 55 to 70 days from planting to harvest. Their growing cycle consists of several stages: seed germination, vegetative growth, flowering, and fruiting. It all starts with a seed, which grows into a seedling. The seedling then develops into a mature plant that produces flowers. When the flowers are pollinated, the plant produces pods that contain the peas. The pods grow larger and plumper over time. Once they are mature, you can harvest the plants and enjoy them in various dishes.
Fertilizing
Peas are relatively light feeders and don't require heavy fertilizers like other vegetables. If your soil is well-prepared with organic matter, you may not need any extra fertilizer. If you still want to give your plants some nutrients, use a balanced or granular fertilizer explicitly formulated for vegetables and fruits.
Apply slow-release granular fertilizer when transplanting or when seedlings are about 1 to 2 inches long. During the flowering and fruiting stages, you can apply a liquid fertilizer, like HB-101 Concentrated Fertilizer, using a fertilizer injector.
As discussed above, peas absorb and store nitrogen from the air in their roots, so they don't need as much nitrogen-based fertilizer as other plants. Avoid using fertilizers high in nitrogen, which can cause excessive foliage growth. Too much nitrogen can result in lush green plants but fewer peas.
Watering
Peas prefer consistently moist soil, but they don't tolerate waterlogged conditions. Check the soil moisture regularly by sticking your finger into the soil. If it feels dry an inch below the surface, it's time to water.
Pea plants require about 1 inch of water per week throughout their growing period. We advise you to use drip irrigation to ensure that water reaches the roots directly. A drip irrigation system is economical for watering peas, delivering water directly to the plant's root zone.
If you're using traditional overhead watering methods for containers or raised beds, consider using a tool like the Lightweight Watering Nozzle. Water and fertilize at the base of the plant to prevent moisture from settling on the leaves.
How to Harvest and Store Peas
Peas are ready to harvest in about 60-70 days after planting. Snow peas and sugar snap peas are ready for harvest when the pods have grown large enough to eat. Shelling peas are ready to pick when the pods are full and plump and crispy.
Be gentle when picking! You can use snips or secateurs to cut the pods from the vine. Avoid yanking or tearing the pods, as it can damage the plant and reduce future yields. If you spot any damaged pods, remove them to avoid any problems during storage. It is best to harvest regularly to encourage more pod production. If you missed the best harvesting time, you could still pick, dry, and shell them to use in soups.
After harvesting, shelled peas or whole pods can be stored in the refrigerator for a short period. For longer storage, blanch the shelled peas in boiling water for a short time, then cool them quickly in ice water before draining and freezing them. This method helps preserve their flavor for future use.
Common Diseases and Care
Like all vegetables, peas are susceptible to some diseases and pests. Below are some common diseases and problems you may encounter when growing peas.
Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery patch on the pea plant leaves and stems. It can reduce plant growth and yield. To prevent this disease, water the plants at the soil level, remove affected parts, and use fungicides and homemade sprays.
Aphids: These small insects feed on the sap of pea plants and cause leaves to curl, yellow, and distort. They are often found clustered on the underside of leaves. Regularly inspect your plants to control aphids and remove infested leaves or stems. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Root rot: Various fungi, like Pythium and Rhizoctonia, can cause root rot in pea plants, especially in poorly drained or waterlogged soil. Affected plants may show wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth. Avoid overwatering and provide adequate spacing between plants to promote airflow.
Pea Weevil: The adult beetles of this pest feed on pea foliage, while the larvae tunnel into developing pea seeds inside the pods. Infected seeds may have holes or be damaged. To avoid these pests, use certified disease-free seeds, check plants regularly, and remove any infected pods.
Pea Leafminer: The larvae of this small fly tunnel into pea leaves and make them distorted and discolored. To control these pests, monitor plants regularly, remove and destroy affected leaves, and use insecticidal sprays labeled for leafminers.
Slugs and Snails: These mollusks feed on tender pea leaves and shoots, leaving behind slimy trails. You can control them by removing their hiding places, introducing free-range poultry, or using traps.
By being proactive and addressing these issues as soon as they arise, you can help ensure the health and productivity of your pea plants.
The Bottom Line
There you go! From planting and harvesting to controlling pests and diseases, this guide has provided all the necessary information any beginner or experienced gardener may need. Following the tips and guidelines, you can enjoy fresh, healthy peas throughout the growing season. So, get your gardening gloves on and start growing peas!