How to Grow Peas

Growing peas is one of the easiest edibles in the garden to grow. And I do mean “edibles” as my sugar snap peas rarely make it to the house. These are my “garden snacks” because generally I pluck them from the vine, rinse them, then plop them in my mouth. You’ve never tasted anything more delightful than a fresh sweet pea fresh from the garden.

One thing you will need for peas is some form of support. This can be a trellis, fence, teepee–whatever you choose–but make sure it’s sturdy. Peas will climb and sprawl and come harvest-time can prove to be quite heavy. I love sugar snap peas, but other great choices include Snow peas, Golden peas and general garden varieties of the English pea.

Like all legumes, peas are low maintenance and require little attention. Not only do they fix nitrogen into the soil, they can draw nitrogen right from the air! How cool is that? I do love a multi-tasker!

Proper seed depth for planting is about 1 inch with a spacing of 2-3 inches. If you stagger the pattern and provide solid support, you can even space them as close as 1 inch. In northern climates, you direct seed once the ground can be worked. In warmer areas, plant when soil temperatures cool to about 75°F which means in Central Florida we plant from September – March.

Peas are light feeders and prefer moderate watering until they begin to bloom, then low water. When selecting your fertilizer, remember that peas provide much of their own needs, but do be sure to provide them a balanced fertilizer in the beginning. When they reach about 2-3 inches in height, give them a light dose of complete organic fertilizer then watch them take off!

You’ll know it’s time to harvest when you peas grow plump and beautiful. As I mentioned before, you can eat them right from the vine–pod and all–or remove the peas from the pod. Your choice.

Seed-saving is simple with peas, too. Allow the pods to dry on the vine, then harvest and store in a cool dry place. Seeds should last for 3 years.

Problems

Peas have relatively few problems–another plus! They can be attacked by common pests like armyworms, beetles, leafminers, nematodes and the like. As always, vigilance is the key to prevention. Visit your garden every day and apply insecticide only as needed.

Good Companions: Carrot, Celery, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Parsley, Early Potato, Radish, Spinach, Strawberry, Sweet Pepper, Turnip.

Bad Companions: Onion, Late Potato.

Health Benefits: Peas are low in calories, high in fiber, and contain a unique assortment of protective phytonutrients. One of these phytonutrients—a polyphenol called coumestrol–has recently come to the forefront of research with respect to stomach cancer protection. A study has shown that daily consumption of green peas along with other legumes lowers risk of stomach cancer (gastric cancer). Peas also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.