Garden Pea

What you'll need:

Garden pea seeds (easy to find at garden centers or online)

A pot (at least 8-10 inches deep) or a patch in your garden

Good-quality soil with some compost mixed in (peas like nutrient-rich soil)

• Support structures, like bamboo sticks, trellises, or even old branches

When to start:

Peas are cool-weather lovers, so they're best planted in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. If you live in a warmer climate, aim for late winter or early fall when temperatures are milder.

Choosing the right spot:

Peas need plenty of sunlight but can also handle a bit of shade. Find a spot that gets at least 4-6 hours of sun per day. Since peas grow vertically, make sure there’s enough space for them to climb.

Tip: Peas don’t like hot weather, so if it gets too warm, they might stop producing. Try to plant them early enough to avoid the peak summer heat.

If you have seeds:

1. Soak the seeds in water overnight before planting — this helps them germinate faster.
2. Dig a shallow trench about 1-2 inches deep in the soil.
3. Place the seeds about 2 inches apart in the trench. Cover them lightly with soil and pat down gently.
4. Water the soil well after planting but don’t overdo it — just enough to keep the soil moist.

If you’re using transplants (less common):

1. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the transplant.
2. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
3. Fill in around the plant with soil and press gently to secure it.
4. Water thoroughly to help the roots settle in.

Support system:

Right after planting, set up supports like bamboo stakes or trellises. Peas are climbers, and they’ll naturally grab onto these supports as they grow. You can also use string or netting stretched between posts.

Tip: Planting in rows? Space the rows about 18-24 inches apart to give yourself room to move around while harvesting.

Watering:

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Peas don’t like dry spells, especially during flowering and pod formation.
• Water deeply once or twice a week rather than giving them a little water every day. This encourages deeper root growth.
• Avoid watering the leaves; focus on the base of the plant to prevent diseases.

Fertilizing:

• Peas don’t need heavy feeding since they can fix their own nitrogen from the air. However, adding a bit of compost when planting is helpful.
• If the leaves look pale, you can apply a light dose of balanced fertilizer, but be careful not to over-fertilize — too much nitrogen will lead to lots of leaves and fewer pods.

Sunlight and temperature:

• Peas thrive in cooler temperatures, ideally between 55-75°F (13-24°C). They can tolerate light frost, but prolonged heat will slow down production.
• If temperatures rise above 80°F (27°C), provide some shade during the hottest part of the day.

Pruning and maintenance:

• Remove any yellowing or dead leaves to keep the plant healthy.
• If the vines get too crowded, you can trim back some of the excess growth to improve airflow and reduce the risk of disease.

When to pick your peas:

• Depending on the variety, peas are usually ready to harvest 50-70 days after planting.
• Snap peas and snow peas are best picked when the pods are still flat and tender.
• For shelling peas, wait until the pods are plump but before they start to harden.

How to pick:

• Use your fingers or scissors to gently snip the pods off the vine. Be careful not to pull too hard, as this could damage the plant.
• Harvest regularly — picking pods frequently encourages the plant to produce more.

Storage:

• Fresh peas taste best when eaten soon after picking, but you can store them in the fridge for up to a week.
• For longer storage, you can freeze peas by blanching them first (quickly boiling and then cooling in ice water) before freezing.

Tip: The younger the peas, the sweeter they’ll be. Don’t wait too long to harvest!

Q: My pea plants aren't climbing. What should I do?

A: Some varieties may not climb as vigorously. Gently guide the vines toward the support structure and loosely tie them if needed. Over time, they should start grabbing on their own.

Q: Why are my pea pods empty?

A: This can happen if pollination didn’t occur properly. Make sure bees or other pollinators have access to your plants. You can also try gently shaking the plants to help with pollination.

Q: My pea plants are turning yellow. What's wrong?

A: Yellow leaves can indicate overwatering, underwatering, or simply that the plant is nearing the end of its life cycle. Check the soil moisture and adjust accordingly. If it’s late in the season, it might just be time to pull the plants out.

Q: Can I grow peas in containers?

A: Yes! Just make sure the container is deep enough (at least 10 inches) and has good drainage. Provide a small trellis or stake for the peas to climb.

Q: Do peas need full sun?

A: Peas prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Aim for at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. In very hot climates, some afternoon shade can actually benefit them.