How to Grow and Care for Peas: A Comprehensive Guide
Planting Peas
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When to Plant: Plant pea seeds directly in the garden 4-6 weeks before your last projected spring frost date. Peas have some frost tolerance, but prolonged cold temperatures can damage seedlings. You can also plant peas in late summer or fall, 6-8 weeks before the first projected fall frost date.
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Selecting a Planting Site: Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Avoid areas where peas have been grown recently, as pests and diseases can linger in the soil. Consider raised garden beds if you have poor soil drainage or heavy rainfall.
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Spacing, Depth, and Support: Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart. Rows should be at least 7 inches apart. If you have a vining variety, install poles or pea fencing at planting time.
Pea Plant Care
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Light: Peas prefer full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight on most days. They can tolerate some shade, but this can hinder production and affect taste.
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Soil: Peas can grow in a variety of soil types as long as there is good drainage. For best results, plant your peas in a loamy soil that’s rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH is ideal.
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Water: Proper watering is crucial for a successful pea crop. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. About an inch of water per week should be sufficient.
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Temperature and Humidity: Peas grow best in mild temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They have good cold tolerance but struggle when temperatures exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity is typically not an issue as long as soil moisture needs are met.
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Fertilizer: Peas typically don’t require fertilizer, but it’s beneficial to mix some compost into the soil before planting. You can also give your plants a boost with a balanced organic liquid fertilizer when the seedlings first emerge.
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Pollination: Pea plants are self-pollinating, meaning they don’t require separate male and female plants.
Types of Peas
There are many different types of peas, including:
- Bushy varieties: These peas grow to a compact size and don’t require support.
- Vining varieties: These peas grow on long vines and require support structures such as poles or trellises.
- Sweet peas: These peas have starchy seeds and are typically eaten fresh.
- Snow peas: These peas have small seeds and flat, edible pods.
- Snap peas: These peas have large seeds and juicy, edible pods.
Peas vs. Black-Eyed Peas
Despite sharing a common name, peas and black-eyed peas are different species. Black-eyed peas are actually categorized as beans and prefer much warmer growing conditions than peas.
Harvesting Peas
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Determining Ripeness: Peas are ready to harvest when the pods are fully formed but not yet dull or waxy. Snow peas are ready when their pods show small peas inside. Snap peas are ready when the pods are plump and glossy. Garden peas are ready when the pods are fully formed but not yet dull or waxy.
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Harvesting Technique: Gently twist the pods off the vines with your hands, being careful not to damage the vine and developing pods. Peas are best used as soon as possible after harvesting.
Growing Peas in Pots
If you don’t have garden space or suitable soil conditions, you can grow peas in containers. Use a pot with drainage holes that’s at least 12 inches wide and deep. An unglazed clay container is ideal because it allows excess soil moisture to evaporate through its walls. Aim to plant in a container that will fit the mature plant’s size, as peas don’t do well when transplanted. Use a fast-draining organic potting soil made for vegetables. If growing a vining variety, provide a support structure.
Pruning
Pruning is generally not necessary for pea plants. However, you can trim off small tendrils or shoots for eating. They have a mild, pea-like flavor that goes well in salads and other dishes.
Propagating Peas
Pea plants can be propagated by saving their seeds. This is an inexpensive way to produce new plants and propagate specific varieties. Allow healthy pods to remain on the plant to dry. Once they’ve browned and you can hear the seeds rattle inside, twist the pods off the plant. Remove the seeds from the pods and spread them out on a screen indoors to fully dry for a few days. Store the dried seeds in an envelope marked with the date. They should be viable for a few years.
Growing Peas From Seeds
Prior to planting, soak the seeds in warm water overnight to speed up their germination. Then, plant them in loosened soil that’s lightly moist but not wet. Expect germination in about a week if the soil is 65 degrees Fahrenheit or above. The seeds can take up to a month to germinate in soil that’s around 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Overwintering
Pea plants are annuals, meaning they complete their life cycle in one growing season. Therefore, overwintering is not necessary.
Common Pests and Diseases
Common pests that can affect pea plants include aphids, pea weevils, and other insects. Organic measures such as knocking off insects with a strong spray of water or using an insecticidal soap can help mitigate pest problems. Companion planting can also deter insects. Fungal diseases such as fusarium wilt and powdery mildew can also impact pea plants. It’s typically best to destroy affected plants to prevent diseases from spreading.
Additional Tips
- Practice crop rotation to prevent pests and diseases from becoming chronic issues.
- Mulch around pea plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Water peas at the base of the plant to avoid getting the leaves wet, which can promote disease.
- If your peas are not producing well, check the soil pH. Peas prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil.
