Growing peas is an exciting milestone in the gardening year, signaling the start of a new season. But beyond being a harbinger of spring’s arrival, green peas are also incredibly easy to cultivate and reward gardeners with a bountiful harvest. In fact, their simplicity makes them an ideal project for kids to get involved with, while a single plant can yield a generous crop.
Not only is growing peas straightforward, but it’s also a great way to involve children in the gardening process.
With minimal effort required, these versatile legumes can be enjoyed in a variety of ways once they’re harvested. In this article, we’ll delve into the ins and outs of growing peas, from the basics of cultivation to creative ways to use them in your kitchen.
Peas Plant Info
The climbing pea (Lathyrus oleraceus) and garden pea (Pisum sativum) are both hardy in USDA zones 3 through 11. They thrive in loamy soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0, which is well-drained and rich in humus. These peas require full sun to partial shade. To get started, plant them directly outdoors about 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date when the soil temperature reaches 45°F. Space them 2 to 4 inches apart and 18 to 48 inches between rows, with a seed depth of 1 inch.
Companions that do well with peas include beans, carrots, celery, corn, cucumber, eggplant, pepper, radish, spinach, tomato, and turnip. On the other hand, onions, garlic, leeks, potatoes, and shallots are poor companions for peas. To keep your peas healthy, water them sparingly during growth but heavily after blooms form. Side dress with compost or a low-nitrogen fertilizer when vines reach 6 inches tall.
Some common issues to watch out for include a range of fungal diseases like Aphanomyces root rot, ascochyta disease, and powdery mildew, as well as pests like aphids, leafminers, Mexican bean beetles, thrips, root-knot nematodes, and spider mites. Once the pods are plump, bright green, and round, harvest them in about 60 to 70 days after planting.
Green Peas Varieties
When it comes to cultivating green peas in your garden, you’ll find that there are two primary categories: Pisum sativum. Within these categories, you can further distinguish between early and main season varieties, offering a range of options for planting and harvesting at different times throughout the growing season.
English Peas
English peas, often found in canned form at grocery stores, offer a sweet flavor profile. While the pods themselves are not edible, the peas inside are a culinary delight. Some varieties may be marketed as ‘garden’ or ‘shelling’ peas for their intended use.
When selecting early season options, consider looking out for types like Daybreak and Spring. For main season harvests, popular choices include Sparkle, Little Marvel, Green Arrow, and Wando.
Sugar Peas
While sugar peas encompass a range of varieties, including snap peas and snow peas, it’s the latter that often takes center stage in Asian-inspired cuisines. A defining characteristic of snow peas is the dual-edibility of their pods and peas, with flat, easy-to-spot pods that make them a popular snack when enjoyed fresh.
For those looking to add a crunch to their stir-fries or salads, snap peas offer a similar experience, boasting both edible pods and larger peas than their snow pea counterparts. When it comes to growing your own sugar peas, consider seeking out varieties like Snowbird, Dwarf Gray Sugar, and Snowflake for a rewarding experience.
How to Plant Green Peas
For a successful pea-growing experience, timing is everything. These legumes thrive in a wide range of USDA Zones (3-11) and can tolerate both full and partial sunshine. However, they do require specific soil conditions to flourish. Ideally, peas prefer a loamy, humus-rich soil with a slightly acidic pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.0.
Prepare the Beds
When cultivating peas, it’s essential to kick-start the process by preparing your garden bed during the fall season. This allows for ample time to till the soil, incorporate compost, and lay down a layer of mulch. While starting early isn’t ideal, you can still proceed with tilling the ground as soon as possible and working in compost. The decision to plant peas in a standard or raised bed depends on your soil’s drainage capabilities.
If your soil tends to retain water, a raised bed might be the better option. Once all preparations are complete, you’re ready to embark on the journey of growing peas.
Timing is Everything
When cultivating peas, timing is paramount. Peas thrive in cold and moist conditions, but if you wait too long to plant, the heat will quickly take its toll on your harvest. Conversely, planting too early or when the soil is still warming up can also hinder germination. To ensure a successful outcome, it’s essential to consult a reliable planting schedule tailored to your specific region.
Additionally, monitoring moisture levels in your area is crucial, as peas require consistent moisture without becoming waterlogged. Excessive moisture at planting time can harm seeds, so finding the perfect balance is vital. While a light dusting of snow won’t harm newly planted seedlings, prolonged periods of temperatures below 45°F (or above 70°F) may necessitate replanting. Peas generally flourish in soil temperatures between 45°F and 70°F, making this range ideal for optimal growth.
As you can see, there are numerous factors to consider when growing peas. While it’s not always possible to hit every mark perfectly, it’s essential to make an educated decision based on the available information. In the worst-case scenario, replanting may be necessary – but with careful planning and attention to detail, you’ll increase your chances of a bountiful harvest.
Plant Your Seeds
With your timing confidence established, it’s time to plant your pea seeds. Begin by digging shallow holes 1.5 inches deep and placing each seed about an inch apart from its neighbor. You have the option of planting in single or double rows; if you choose a single row, space consecutive rows between 18-24 inches apart, while double rows should be separated by approximately eight to ten inches.
Once your seeds are properly spaced and in the ground, you can move on to learning how to provide optimal care for them.
How to Care for Peas
Peas are notoriously low-maintenance, and with a few simple guidelines, you can expect a bountiful harvest. To get started, it’s essential to understand the basics of pea cultivation. Let’s dive in!
Water Sparingly
When cultivating peas, don’t worry about frequent watering. The natural climate conditions during spring planting usually suffice, as the weather is typically cool and rainy where you live. As a result, the plants tend to receive sufficient moisture. Nonetheless, monitor your pea’s condition closely. If they start to wilt or show signs of drought stress, it’s likely time to supplement with more water. Simply inspect your peas regularly to gauge their hydration needs.
Don’t Fertilize Much
When it comes to fertilizing peas, moderation is key. These legumes don’t demand a lot of nutrients, and in fact, adding too many can be detrimental. If your pea plants appear to be lacking in nutrients, a small amount of fertilizer can help. However, when selecting a fertilizer, opt for one with low nitrogen levels, as excess nitrogen can harm your crop. By using caution and restraint, you’ll be able to provide your peas with the right balance of nutrients for healthy growth.
Don’t Hoe Your Garden
When weeds start sprouting amidst your pea crop, the temptation may be to get out there with a hoe or even by hand to pull them up. However, it’s crucial to resist this urge when dealing with peas. As they have relatively shallow root systems, vigorous hoeing can cause unintentional damage, potentially harming or even killing off these tender shoots. In this situation, it’s best to leave your peas be and let them continue growing unimpeded.
Rotate Crops and Mulch
When cultivating peas, it’s crucial to consider the potential for disease formation in the soil. A simple yet effective strategy is to rotate your pea crop every two years, thereby reducing the risk of disease buildup. Additionally, incorporating a mulch layer around your pea plants can have multiple benefits. Not only will it suppress weed growth, but it’ll also help regulate soil temperature and retain moisture, creating an ideal environment for healthy plant development.
Common Problems with Peas
While every plant has its unique challenges, peas are not immune to issues. To ensure a successful harvest, it’s essential to be mindful of the following common problems that can arise when growing peas:
Aphids
Aphids are notorious for wreaking havoc on gardens everywhere, and their impact is felt by many plant species. These tiny insects cause a range of problems for your plants, but they also leave behind a sticky residue that serves as a magnet for other pests, drawing them to your garden in droves.
When aphids infest your plants, you’ll often notice discoloration or distortion on the leaves, accompanied by a telltale sticky coating.
If you suspect an aphid invasion, try using a gentle spray to dislodge the pests from the leaves. Alternatively, a light dusting with flour can also be effective in controlling their numbers.
As a last resort, consider reaching for insecticidal soap or neem oil to eradicate the problem once and for all.
Mexican Bean Beetles
Mexican bean beetle infestations often mimic those caused by Japanese beetles, leaving plants with a skeletal remain after feeding. The beetles’ feeding habits can be detrimental to plant health if left unchecked. To combat this issue, homeowners can employ various methods. Chemical insecticides may provide effective control, while handpicking individual beetles from plants can also be an effective means of population management.
For those willing to invest in a more sustainable solution, introducing guinea fowl or chickens to the environment can prove a productive and eco-friendly way to manage these pests, as they are known to consume Mexican bean beetle populations.
Groundhogs
Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are notorious for their ability to devastate pea harvests. Despite their cute resemblance to overgrown squirrels – weighing around ten pounds and measuring three feet in length – these critters are stealthy binge eaters. Once they’ve discovered your garden, they can ravage it with alarming speed. To safeguard your crops, consider starting with a deterrent strategy.
Sprinkle blood meal and ground black pepper around the perimeter of your garden to deter these unwanted visitors. Next, consider installing a fence to physically block their access. Identify the primary entry point of the groundhog’s burrow and clog it to encourage them to seek alternative feeding grounds. As a last resort, if these methods fail, you can opt for a humane trap. By relocating the animal yourself, you’ll ensure its safety while also protecting your garden from further damage.
Fusarium Wilt
The insidious fungal disease begins its nefarious journey in the soil, targeting a plant’s roots before spreading up through the plant to disrupt water distribution. This can lead to a telltale sign of wilting leaves. To combat this issue, consider employing fungicides as part of your treatment plan. Additionally, remove any dead or affected tissue from the plant to prevent further spread.
Moreover, take the opportunity to assess and amend your soil conditions, as high levels of nitrogen may be contributing to the problem’s severity. By balancing your soil composition and reducing excessive fertilization, you can help minimize the disease’s impact.
Companions for Peas Plant
When it comes to growing peas, having the right companions can make a significant difference in their yield and overall health. On the positive side, peas thrive when planted alongside certain vegetables that share similar growth requirements. Some of the best companion plants for peas include beans, carrots, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, lettuce, melons, parsnips, potatoes, radishes, spinach, and turnips.
These plants not only provide a beneficial environment but also help to repel pests and attract pollinators. However, there are also some vegetables that peas should avoid growing near. Onions and garlic, in particular, can have a negative impact on pea growth, so it’s best to keep them separate. By choosing the right companion plants and avoiding those that might harm your peas, you’ll be well on your way to a successful harvest.
How to Harvest and Store Your Peas
Harvesting peas is a straightforward process that requires regular picking as they mature. The more frequent you harvest, the more productive your plants tend to be. It’s essential not to confuse pea harvesting with bean picking, as pea pods have a slightly firmer texture. To ensure a successful harvest, use one hand to gently pull the pod from the plant while securing it with the other hand. Avoid pulling the plant out of the ground by doing so.
Once you’ve collected your peas, it’s crucial to know how to preserve them for future enjoyment. The good news is that there are various preservation options available.
Store in the Fridge
While it’s not necessary to store harvested peas for extended periods, a short-term storage option is still available. Refrigerating your peas is a great way to keep them fresh for up to five to seven days.
Freeze
When it comes to preserving peas for later use, freezing is another great option. If you’ve planted a pea variety where the pods are edible, you can simply freeze them in their natural state. However, if that’s not the case, shelling the peas before freezing is the way to go. To make the process even more efficient when it comes time to thaw and cook, consider cleaning and blanching your peas beforehand. This extra step will save you time and effort later on.
Dry
When the weather turns chilly, some enthusiasts opt for incorporating peas into their winter soups. To achieve this, they turn to drying their peas. As various methods exist for processing different types of peas, it’s essential to follow the specific approach tailored to your crop.
Can Them
While I grow peas with the intention of preserving them through canning, this process requires more effort than just simply sealing the jars. Before I can even start the actual canning procedure, I need to shell and thoroughly clean the peas. Despite the extra work, I find the end result well worth it – having a stash of delicious, home-canned peas readily available for future meals, whether as a side dish or added to a hearty soup later in the year.
Recipes for Your Green Peas
While it’s perfectly fine to enjoy peas in their natural state, they offer even more flavor and texture when prepared in various ways. From simple snacking to creative culinary applications, the possibilities for preparing peas are endless.
Creamed Peas
There’s something special about creamed peas that sets them apart from other side dishes. The base ingredient is a delicious and nutritious green vegetable, which provides a great foundation for the dish. When you add a rich and creamy cheese sauce, it transforms into a warm and comforting delight. Creamed peas truly are an all-encompassing culinary pleasure.
Creamy Pea Salad
Seeking a refreshing twist on the classic salad? Look no further than this creamy pea salad! With its unique blend of flavors and textures, this recipe is sure to hit a home run. The combination of sweet peas, savory onion, tangy mayonnaise, smoky bacon, and rich cheese will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. This one’s a winner!
Crunchy Roasted Green Peas
As my children grew up, I continued to rely on recipes from Super Healthy Kids to encourage healthy eating habits in them. This particular recipe stood out to me as a must-share, given its perfect blend of nutritional value and kid-appeal. Whether you’re seeking a tasty snack or a fun meal option for your little ones, this recipe is sure to please.
In addition, I hope that the information on growing peas provided earlier in this blog will serve as a valuable resource for your own gardening endeavors, resulting in a successful and enjoyable growing season.
