Pea Growing Guide

All you need to know to grow successfully!

Plant Family:
Fabaceae
Plant Type:
Annual

Square Foot Spacing:

9
Typical Season:
Cool season
Typical Zones Grown In:
2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Growing Difficulty:
Easy

Peas are a type of legume that are enjoyed both fresh and cooked. They come in a variety of types, including snow peas, snap peas, and garden peas. Peas are known for their sweet flavor and tender texture, and are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They are high in vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese, and also contain smaller amounts of iron, folate, and other micronutrients. Peas are often grown in the spring or fall, and can be planted directly in the garden or in containers. They prefer cool temperatures and well-drained soil, and benefit from regular watering and fertilization.

How to Grow Peas Organically

  1. Choose a sunny spot: Peas love to grow in full sun, so choose a spot in your garden that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
  2. Prepare the soil: Peas prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Work in plenty of compost or well-rotted manure before planting to improve soil fertility and structure.
  3. Plant the seeds: Plant pea seeds directly in the garden as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring. Sow the seeds 1-2 inches deep and 2-3 inches apart, in rows spaced 18-24 inches apart.
  4. Provide support: Peas need support to climb as they grow, so provide them with a trellis, fence, or other support system. This will keep the plants off the ground and make it easier for you to harvest the peas.
  5. Water regularly: Peas need consistent moisture to thrive, so water them regularly and deeply, especially during dry spells.
  6. Control pests and diseases: Peas can be vulnerable to pests like aphids and diseases like powdery mildew. To control these problems organically, use insecticidal soap or neem oil for pests and sulfur or copper fungicides for diseases.
  7. Harvest the peas: Peas are ready to harvest when the pods are plump and full. Pick them regularly to encourage continued production.

Planting Guidelines

The following are general guides to follow. However, nothing is set in stone. Feel free to experiment!

How to Start:
Direct Sow
When to Direct Sow:
April,March,July,August
When to Start Indoors:
February
Sprouting Time:
7-14 days

Ideal Temperature (C):

10-20
Depth:
2cm (1″)
Spacing (cm):
2-7cm (1-3″)
Row Spacing (cm):
Sun Exposure:
Part Shade,Full Sun
Maturity Time:
60-70 days
When To Harvest:
April,May,June,September,October
How to Harvest:
Pick when pods fill out and peas are bright green. Make multiple sowings or grow several varieties to extend the harvest season.

Health Benefits

Growing your own food is one of the best things you can do for your health. Let’s check out some of the health benefits!

Is It Edible?
Yes
Edible Parts:
leaves, stem, blossom and tendrils
Potential Health Benefits:
Eye Health,Digestive System,Immune Health,Anti-Inflammatory

Tips to Growing Organically

Growing without the use of pesticides and herbicides is easier than you may think and it’s better for the environment!

Companion Plants:
Bean,Carrot,Celery,Corn,Cucumber,Eggplant,Parsley,Pepper,Potato,Radish,Spinach,Strawberry,Turnip
What Plants to Avoid:
Onion
Common Pests:
The pea moth is a sporadic and usually inconspicuous pest. The tiny brown moth flutters around when the flowers are just opening, and lays it eggs on the immature seed pod. The damage the caterpillar does not mean you can’t eat the rest of the peas in the pod. The larva is a tiny caterpillar with a black head, which feeds inside the seedpod and overwinters in the soil. There is one generation per year across Canada. In the pea-growing areas of the lower Fraser Valley in British Columbia, releases of two parasites have provided partially effective biological control. In general, processing and fresh-market pea crops should not be grown in areas with dry (seed) pea or seed vetch crops. After harvest, all remaining pods and vines should be destroyed by ensiling, feeding or deep cultivating.
Common Disease:
If plants turn yellow and wither from the ground up just after flowering, you have pea root rot from a soil fungus. It infects the plant in early spring when the soil is very wet. Prevent it by delaying planting until the soil is drier and by using finished compost when you plant. Rotate peas into new areas each year without repeating an area for 3-4 years. Pea enation disease is a Coastal virus disease spread by the green peach aphid. It ends flowering and causes pods to become warty and misshapen.
Bonus Grow Tips:
Peas can grow fast, so be sure to stay on top of harvesting.

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