If you are new to gardening or do not have time in your life to tend something, then peas (often called green peas) are a great place to start. Pods on the vines grow so quick, there is no need of advanced tools!
However, a bit of incorrect handling can affect your harvest. This article takes you through from seed stage to that very last bite in this guide. Read on to learn how to grow peas at home easily. As you learn how to plant peas right, you will never see another seed the same way.
Step 1: Know Your Pea Types
Once you are ready to plant, it becomes important to know the three major types of peas (Pisum sativum).
- Shelling Peas (Garden Peas): These are named from whence most people shelled their peas before eating them. You eat the peas, not the pods.
- Snow Peas: They are long (not like snap or shell), and the peas in the pods are small. Whole pods, and you eat them — yummy in stir fries.
- Sugar Snap Peas: These are thicker, slimy pods you eat whole, and it is so sweet.
Choose the one (or two) you like best after picking one to eat.
Step 2: Pick the Right Time to Plant
Peas are for early season crops. Peas hate heat; you plant them and just never do anything and they get all twisted and useless the second it hits a little over 70 degrees.
- Sowing: don’t wait for planting, soil can be worked early in spring This is 4–6 weeks ahead of your last expected frost in most areas.
- Starting soil temp: soils should be at 45°F (7°C), or else seeds will very probably rot.
For a fall crop (if being one of the favored few that regionally gets that late fall harvest, you can plant as late there is in the summer.
Step 3: Pick the Right Place In Your Garden
Peas and beans have such great space requirements but they (and all-kinds of beans) require only a few things.
- Sun: 6+ hrs. Direct sun per day, but okay in some shade.
- Soil: Work the soil looser underneath and make it better-draining.
- Sturdy Support: Most peas want to be vined. And a fence, or chicken wire, or (bamboo poles!) fence works well enough.
For a minimum of 12 inches of depth (so will take your containers), use good quality soil.
Step 4: Plant Your Peas the Right Way
Time for your grimy fingers! So here are the steps for planting of your seeds:
- Soak seeds (optional…put them in water for 4–6 hours before planting) to encourage faster sprouting.
- Plant depth — press seeds about 1 inch deep in the soil.
- Spacing: 2 inches between seeds, and 18-24 inches between rows.
- Water: Water the soil very lightly after planting. Water well, but not wet.
And for the time being (in optimal conditions), you’ll see sprouts in 7 to 14 days.
Step 5: Help Your Plants Grow Strong
All your peas are going to need after you plant them, is some love once they start growing. A little help goes a long way.
Watering Tips
- Water deeply 1–2 times a week.
- Do not let the soil dry out completely, especially during flowering and pod set.
- Water the base to ensure the leaves stay dry and not contract any fungal diseases.
Fertilizing
- Being heavy feeders and fixing extra nitrogen in the soil, peas don’t need so much nitrogen like other plants.
- For starters, if you will be planting on poor soil, feed the plant once the stalks reach 4–6 inches high.
- If the nitrogen is too much, they will drop a ton of leaves and produce very few pods.
Mulching
Add some mulch (straw etc.) at the base of your plants. It will also keep the soil moist and not let in so many weeds.
Step 6: Give Them Support
Peas coming along will soon need to hold onto something when they are big. It’s your trellis or support here.
- Install it now—Plant the seeds and put the trellis in place so you don’t disturb the root structure when transplanting.
- Height: Most supports are 3-6 feet tall.
- Pruning – Train the tendrils to the support if need be.
Step 7: Watch for Problems
Peas are pretty easy, but only you know your seeds better and are more apt to spot some of the more common problems.
Pests
- Aphids: Tiny green or black bugs on young growth.Wash them off with a jet of water, or use neem oil.
- Injury from pea weevils and maggots: These are root and pod feeders. Crop rotate or do NOT plant there again the year you eat them.
Diseases
- Powdery mildew: White, dusty coating on leaves. Good ventilation and do not overcrowd your plants.
- Root rot — From overwatering or bad drainage. Between watering, let the soil dry out somewhat.
Step 8: Harvest at the Perfect Time
This is the good part – time for you to reap what you sow.
- Shelling Peas — Pick when pods are nice and plump; rounded, but not hard.
- Snow Peas: Good to harvest when pods are flat and before seeds swell.
- Sugar Snap Peas: When the pods are supple, fat, and still shiny
Pick frequently every day or two during peak season. Regular harvests press the plant to continue producing pods.
Harvest two-handed: one hand to keep the vine in check, one to pinch or snip the pod off. This prevents the plant from being ripped wildly.
When Is the Best Time to Grow Peas?
Peas are cool-weather champs. Peas love to grow in the warmer but not too hot weather, and the cooler, early part of the year. You will probably either get nothing, or a poor setting crop if you wait too long and plant your peas in the heat.
- Planting Time: (As soon as the ground can be worked in early spring, about 4–6 weeks before your last expected frost date).
- Optimal soil temp range: around 45°F (7°C) or higher, for germination.
- Second chance (for places with cold climate), you can start peas too in late summer for a fall harvest.
Establishing time at the earliest is going to play in your favor and bring on robust growth of peas!
Are Pea Plants Easy to Grow?
They are one of the easiest vegetables you can grow.
A pea plant requires very little. They grow fast, require no heavy work of fertilization, and even promote nitrogen in your soil. If they start early with cool soil, a little bit of sun, and if you put something they can grab on to, they get going.
Perfect for beginner gardeners or that little person you know who can’t dedicate TONS of time to the garden, or any other reason for that matter. You don’t even need an acre of land; peas thrive in pots as well as a couple of small raised beds.
Bonus Tip: How to Store Your Peas
Peas also taste great fresh off the vine, but if we have leftovers:
- Refrigerate: Store fresh peas in a sealed bag in your freezer drawer. They will be good for about 1 week.
- Freeze: blanch quickly in boiling water (1 to 2 minutes), then cool them in ice. They will drain and freeze in an unopened box.
Final Thoughts on How to Grow Peas
Growing peas isn’t only about having a food source; it’s the anticipation of watching something turn from a tiny seed into a plant. From tiny first sprout to last harvest pod. Each one is simple yet satisfying in its own way. With the knowledge you just gained, you are now ready to reap your sweet, crunchy harvest.
