Growing peas in your garden is a snap with these must-know planting, care, and harvesting tips.
It’s no wonder why peas(Pisum sativum)are so popular.
You’ve Got Tons of Choices
Peas are annuals with hundreds of varieties.
Credit:Bob Stefko
Theyre divided into several categories, including bush and vining types.
Sweet peas(Lathyrus odoratus) are a different plant altogether.
Where to Plant Peas
Plant peas directly in garden beds or containers.
Credit:Dana Gallagher
Any site withfull sunandadequate drainagewill work.
While they prefer slightly acidic soil, they tolerate a wide pH range.
In containers, use general-purpose potting soil and ensure there is good drainage.
Credit: Kindra Clineff
Pots should be relatively large, about 12 inches across.
If you arent sure, plant three to four weeks before your typicallast frost date in spring.
Theyll need something to climb sooner than you think.
Credit:KRITSADA PANICHGUL
Direct sow peas in the garden.
Use your finger or a trowel to make a trench about an inch deep.
Drop pea seeds 2 inches apart, cover and firm the soil, and water well.
Theres no need to thin them later.
For a fall crop, plant peas about two months before yourfirst frost in fall.
Choose early maturing varieties.
In the summer, mulch can help cool the soil.
Light
Peas grow fastest and yield the most peas in full sunat least six hours daily.
They toleratepartial shade conditions.
Afternoon shade during hot weather can extend the harvest season.
Soil and Water
Peas grow in most soil types as long as it drains adequately.
Heavy clay can be problematic.
They preferslightly acidic pHand loamy texture.
Peas need regular water.
Provide 1 to 2 inches of supplemental water weekly if your garden hasnt received sufficient rain.
Use your finger to test the soil an inch below the surface.
If its dry, you should probably water.
Temperature and Humidity
Peas are acool-season cropthat slows down or dies in hot weather.
Take advantage of cool spring and fall weather.
Fertilizer
Compost worked into the garden bedat planting time is all peas need in most soils.
Pruning
Pruning is not required.
Potting and Repotting
Peas are easy to grow in containers.
If the peas are vining types, add a support to the container when you plant the seeds.
Because peas are annuals and die at the end of the season, repotting is not necessary.
The pods will still be flat.
Snap peas are ready to harvest when both the pods and the peas are plump but not yet rigid.
The pod should snap like a fresh green bean.
When harvesting pea pods, its easy to damage the plant.
Use two handsone to hold the vine and the other to pull the pod.
Alternatively, hold a basket below the pod and snip it with scissors.
When you harvest the pods, the plant attempts to reproduce by putting out more.
Pick them every day or every other day to get them at the peak of flavor and tenderness.
Pests and Problems
Powdery mildewcan be a problem for peas.
It looks like white dust on the leaves in the early stages.
Common root rot is another fungal disease.
Leaves turn yellow, and lesions become visible on the roots.
Excessive soil moisture is an enabling factor, so plant peas in an area with excellent drainage.
Let some peas mature on the vine until they harden and dry and the pods wither and turn brown.
Give one a shake, and youll hear the peas rattle around inside when theyre ready to harvest.
Separate the peas from the pods and rinse them.
Dry them thoroughly and store them.
Dont forget to label the variety.
For best results, choose open-pollinated orheirloom varietiesif you plan to save seed.
This giant cultivar produces pods that are hugeup to 8 inches long.
The vines reach 6 to 8 feet long, making this an ideal climber for a tall trellis.
This open-pollinated snap pea has 5-foot-long vines and heavy, meaty pods.
Its resistant to powdery mildew.
The tiny peas are tightly packed into 3-inch pods and are excellent for eating fresh or frozen.
They combine tosave space in the garden.
Mostlettuces wont boltuntil the long days of summer approach.
Peas are an excellent addition to this vegetable garden.
Begin by planting peas and other cold-weather veggies several weeks before your areas last spring frost date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely.
Many are bushy and, like bush beans, only get 15 to 20 inches tall.
If you dont want to go vertical, check the vine length or plant height before buying seeds.
Frozen peas you buy from the store will not germinate.
Additionally, frozen peas are harvested before the seed (the pea) matures.
Most pea varieties will yield delicious pods at about 55 to 60 days.
Trneny, Oldrich, et al.
“Molecular Evidence for Two Domestication Events in the Pea Crop.Genes, vol.
11, 2018.https://doi.org/10.3390/genes9110535
What are the health benefits of peas?
Do I need to treat my peas with an inoculant before planting?Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
West Virginia University Extension.
