Planting and Growing Guide for Peas Pisum sativum)
Description
Peas are a cool season crop and need to come to harvest well before the heat of summer. Peas are legumes and so do not require nitrogen rich fertilisers. There are many varieties. Most peas need some support when growing. Allow for them to grow up to 2 m (6 feet) high. You can nip the top buds to encourage them to spread. You can use a frame of wire or plastic, a trellis or tree prunings. For a long row of peas, running strings between posts is the most efficient way. Use biodegradable strings so that the plant remnants and strings can be discarded together into the compost heaps. T he peas may need tying to the support in the early stages. While some pea varieties are called 'dwarf' or 'bush' it is a good idea to provide twigs and branches as supports. This also makes harvesting easier. Pick the pea pods while young. Frequent harvesting encourages the plants to keep producing.
Nothing compares with peas picked straight from the plants in the garden. You can eat the pods of smaller peas. ' Snap' and 'Sugar' pea varieties are designed to be eaten whole rather than shelling the pods. Peas only require minimum cooking by boiling steaming or lightly frying. Peas in their pods and very versatile and can be used in a wide variety of dishes including stir fry dishes.
Planting Guide
Seed Depth: Plant seeds directly into the garden about 3-5 cm (1-2 inches) deep.
Space between plants: Space plants about 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) apart, thinning out any extra seedlings. Space rows about 50 cm (20 inches) apart
Harvest Time: Harvest in about 12-18 weeks
Hints:
- Prepare the pea planting area well in advance by digging in aged compost or well -rotted animal manure to the soil .
- Peas prefer a well-drained soil rich in organic matter with a neutral to slightly acid pH (5.8 to 7.0)
- Grows best in full sun in warm and humid conditions with a light covering of mulch
- Peas are frost tender, but established seedlings can tolerate light unexpected frosts. So plant seeds outdoors 4-5 weeks before the last frost is expected or later. Peas can be grown through winter in the warmer frost-free climatesUsually, second round of peas can be planted in the late summer or early fall (autumn), about 6–8 weeks before your first frost is expected.
- Regular and deep watering is required, especially in hot weather. Water the base of the leaves rather than the tops to discourage powdery mildew
- Water plants more frequently in summer and add a thick layer of mulch to help retain moisture and control weeds
- Peas are more productive when they are grown quickly an steadily and harvested continuously. So avoid drying them out to prevent growth checks. Planting peas densely helps to control weeds and keeps the soil moist
- Plant batches of peas every 2-3 weeks to provide a continuous supply of peas and pods straight from the garden to stove and plate
- The young shoots and leaves can be added to salads and stir fry dishes
Disclaimer: The PlantWhatWhen vegetable planting guide is only designed for use as a very general reference for home gardening purposes. It is not to be used for farming, markets or commercial activities of any kind whatsoever. We take absolutely no responsibility for the accuracy and adequacy of the information provided on this site. We recommend that you consider your local climate, weather patterns and conditions when deciding what and when to plant in your home garden. It's entirely your own decision. Happy Gardening and Best Wishes!