top of page

Growing Peas

 

  • Ideal Soil pH: 6.0 - 7.0

  • Ideal Climate: Cool-Mild Temperate Climates (55 - 75 degrees Fahrenheit)

  • Daily sunlight for mature plants: 6 - 8 hours direct sunlight

  • Watering mature plants: Deep watering when soil dries out 

​

​

​

​

Step 1: Choosing a Location to Plant Peas

​

Pea plants can be grown in rows or as climbers supported by trellises or stakes. If you're planting bush varieties, space the plants about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) apart in rows spaced 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) apart. For climbing varieties, provide support structures and space the plants about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) apart along the base of the support. Choose a location with good air circulation to help prevent fungal diseases. Avoid planting peas in areas with heavy, stagnant air, such as low-lying spots or areas surrounded by tall buildings or dense vegetation. While peas appreciate good air circulation, they can be damaged by strong winds, especially when they are young and tender. If your planting site is prone to strong winds, consider installing a windbreak or providing some form of protection, such as planting near a fence or hedge.

​

Step 2: Choosing Pea Seeds

​

Pea plants can be either bush or vining types. Bush varieties tend to be more compact and may not require support, while vining varieties need trellises or other support structures to climb. Choose a growth habit that suits your garden space and preferences. There are various types of peas, including shelling peas, snap peas, and snow peas. Choose a variety based on your preference for flavor and how you plan to use the peas. Shelling peas are harvested when the seeds inside the pods have matured, snap peas are harvested when the pods are still tender and crisp, and snow peas are harvested when the pods are flat and the seeds inside are just beginning to form.

​

Where to Get Seeds

Pea seeds are easy to find at almost any home improvement or garden store. As always, there are almost an unlimited amount of varieties online and it is always best to opt for organic if you can.

Step 3: Preparing Soil for Growing Peas

​

Remove any weeds, rocks, or debris from the planting area. This will help prevent competition for nutrients and ensure that the pea plants have space to grow. Peas prefer well-draining soil, so it's important to loosen the soil to a depth of at least 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm). Use a garden fork or a tiller to break up compacted soil and improve aeration. Incorporate organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, into the soil. This will help improve soil structure, fertility, and moisture retention. Spread a layer of compost or manure over the planting area and mix it into the soil thoroughly. Smooth the soil surface with a rake to create a level planting bed. This will make it easier to sow the seeds evenly and ensure uniform germination.

​

Step 4: Planting Peas

​

Peas can be sown directly into the garden soil or started indoors and transplanted later. Direct seeding is more common and usually preferred for peas because they don't transplant well due to their sensitive root systems. Plant pea seeds about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) deep and 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) apart in rows. If you're planting bush varieties, space the rows about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) apart. If you're planting climbing varieties, provide support structures such as trellises or stakes and space the rows accordingly. After sowing the seeds, cover them lightly with soil and gently pat the soil down to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Water the planted area thoroughly to settle the soil and provide moisture for germination.

​

Step 5: Watering Peas

​

Pea plants prefer consistently moist soil, especially during flowering and pod development. However, they don't like waterlogged conditions, so it's essential to strike a balance. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist but not saturated. Water pea plants deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. In hot, dry weather, they may need more frequent watering. Check the soil moisture regularly by inserting your finger into the soil near the plants. If the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil feels dry, it's time to water. When you water, provide enough moisture to penetrate the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm). Deep watering encourages the roots to grow deeper into the soil, which helps the plants withstand dry spells better.

​

Its best to water in the morning hours when the moisture is able to penetrate the soil before it evaporates. It is also good practice to focus the watering around the base of the plant and avoid watering the foliage to reduce the chance of diseases developing.

Step 6: Fertilizing Peas

​

Pea plants are capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen through a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their root nodules. Therefore, they generally require less nitrogen fertilizer compared to other crops. Excessive nitrogen can lead to lush foliage growth at the expense of pod development. If your soil test indicates a nitrogen deficiency, you can use a balanced fertilizer with a lower nitrogen content or apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer sparingly. Pea plants benefit from phosphorus and potassium for overall growth, root development, and flowering. If your soil test indicates low levels of phosphorus and potassium, you can use a balanced fertilizer with a higher phosphorus and potassium content, such as a 5-10-10 or 10-10-10 fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Be cautious not to over-fertilize pea plants, as this can lead to nutrient imbalances, excessive vegetative growth, and reduced yields. Follow the recommended application rates on the fertilizer package and monitor plant health closely.

​

Step 7: Harvesting Peas

​

Peas are ready for harvest when the pods are plump, well-filled, and have reached their full size. Different types of peas have slightly different harvesting criteria:

  • Shelling peas: Harvest when the pods are well-filled, but the peas inside are still tender and not overly mature.

  • Snap peas: Harvest when the pods are still tender, crisp, and snap easily when bent.

  • Snow peas: Harvest when the pods are flat and the peas inside are just starting to form. The pods should still be tender and crisp.

​

Use one hand to hold the vine or stem of the pea plant and the other hand to gently pull the pod from the plant. Alternatively, you can use scissors or pruners to cut the pods from the plant. Be careful not to damage the plant or nearby pods when harvesting. Peas should be harvested regularly to encourage continued production. Check your plants every 1-2 days during the peak harvest period, as pods can mature quickly, especially in warm weather.

​

bottom of page