Peas are one of my favourite crops to grow in the summer garden. They are easy to grow, quick to germinate always look beautiful. There are fewer joys in life comparable to that of picking peas straight from the vine and eating them fresh. They’re like nature’s candy.
There are two types of peas you can grow, ordinary podded peas and mange tout varieties. I grow both at my allotment most years.
Peas like full sunshine, which is why summer is the perfect time to sow them. They thrive in well cultivated, loose soil, as air is essential for the roots to thrive. Peas are known as nitrogen “fixers”, which means they can draw nitrogen from the air and fix in in the soil.
Planting peas
I sow peas straight in the ground, you can also sow them in pots and transplant later but there isn’t much need unless you are sowing very early and want to protect them from frost. Make a shallow drill about 10 cm wide and 5cm deep. Scatter pea seeds along the drill or space them evenly about about 20 cm apart. Cover back with soil using a rake to draw it over them. The warm summer soil will boost your pea growth and they should germinate in about seven to ten days. Use succession sowing to ensure a steady crop throughout summer.
Support
Most peas, particularly mange tout peas, will grow to be very tall so need support as they are growing. There are dwarf varieties available which do not need as much support but I’m warning you, I’ve seen dwarf peas grow very tall in the past, despite their title. Strong mesh or chicken wire is perfect for this purpose. Peas send out tendrils that grasp onto and wrap around structures for support.
Caring for your plants
Peas don’t really need too much care once they are established, however, birds can peck at them and slugs love them, so keep an eye out for pests. Peas can get sometimes get powdery mildew in the summer, which appears on the leaves . Make sure to keep your peas well weeded, especially when they are tender young plants. It helps if you water your plants regularly, especially when they are flowering and again as the pods are beginning to swell.
Harvesting peas
Peas have a relatively short growing time and will be ready to harvest within 10-12 weeks, provided the conditions are optimal. Your peas are ready to harvest once the pod begins to swell, you will be able to see the peas forming inside the pod and should be able to judge when to pick them.
Peas are amazing straight off the vine, I challenge you to pick peas and not eat them straight away. Go ahead, I dare you.
Good advice. I actually planted two different times this year. Hope the season lasts a little longer for me that way.
Very helpful, thanks 🙂
We were hugely dissappointed last year when our Peas were attacked by Pea Moth and every second pod we opened was full of ‘maggots’ (despite appearing oh so perfect from the outside !) This year we’ll use a horticultural fleece to prevent this. Great post 🙂
I have to totally agree with you because I love peas as well. It is always the first Vegetable that we run out of in the freezer. My dogs gorge on the pods. I can not leave my harvesting basket on the ground because the dogs will rob me blind. They absolutely love them even our neighbor’s dog begs for them, when I am shelling the peas. This year We planted 3 rows in hopes that we won’t run out as quickly.
You gave good growing tip that are easy to follow. I have never tried the succession planting before but I think I will this year. Thanks for that tip. I learn something new every day.
Honey
Reblogged this on sliceofheaveninsweden and commented:
Great tips on how to grow peas.
Reblogged this on GrowHort – Grow your Horticultural Knowledege and commented:
Thinking of growing peas to harvest next year? Then consider winter and succession sowing to get fresh peas several weeks earlier and super hardy well established plants. This blog highlights some important issues and successive sowings are a must! Staggered a few weeks apart you will have super fresh peas available all Summer long. Reblogged and shared. Thanks