Peas

Peas are a garden favourite - easy to grow, delicious, and super rewarding! Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or a complete beginner, growing peas is a breeze. They're a versatile crop, perfect for eating fresh, adding to salads, or using in your favourite recipes. Let's jump into how to get started with growing peas in your garden!

Summary: Growing Peas

Peas are a cool-season crop best sown from March to June, either directly outdoors or started indoors. Ensure well-drained soil and a sunny spot for best results. Direct sow seeds about 2.5cm deep and 5-7.5cm apart, or start indoors in modules before planting out. Provide pea support like canes or netting, and water regularly, especially when young. Harvest regularly for continued pod production, picking when plump and well-filled. Protect from pea pests like aphids and slugs, and stay vigilant for diseases. Enjoy fresh garden peas, sugar snap peas, or snow peas all summer long!

Getting Started with Peas

Growing peas is a fantastic way to get your hands dirty and enjoy the freshest veggies. They're surprisingly easy and don't demand much from you, making them perfect for beginners and busy gardeners. There are so many pea varieties to choose from, offering different tastes and textures. Whether you're into the classic garden peas, the sweet crunch of sugar snap peas, or the delicate snow peas, there's a pea out there for you.

When to Plant Peas

Timing is key when it comes to planting peas. These little guys love cooler weather, so when to plant peas is crucial. The ideal window for sowing peas is from March to June. For best results, make sure the soil temperature is consistently above 7°C (45°F). If you are in a particularly cold region, it's a good idea to start them indoors.

How to Plant Peas

You have two options for planting peas: direct sowing or starting indoors. For direct sow, simply sow the seeds directly into the ground, about 2.5cm (1 inch) deep and spaced 5-7.5cm (2-3 inches) apart. If you prefer a head start, sow one seed per module or small pot indoors in February or March. Be sure to harden off seedlings before planting peas outside after the last frost. Once ready, plant out your seedlings at a pea spacing of 10-15cm apart.

Providing Pea Support

Peas are climbers, so they'll need some kind of pea trellis or support to grow upwards. Use bamboo canes, netting, or even twigs to create a frame for them. Not only does this keep them tidy and off the ground, but it also makes harvesting peas so much easier! A good pea support system is vital for healthy growth.

Pea Growing Tips for Success

Once planted, keep the soil consistently moist, particularly when the plants are young and getting established. After about four weeks after planting, giving your peas a little boost with a balanced fertilizer can encourage good growth, but they don't generally need too much. Keep weeds under control by hoeing regularly. Also keep an eye out for common pea pests and diseases.

Harvesting Peas

Harvesting peas is the most exciting part! Picking peas regularly encourages further pod development. The more you pick, the more you'll get! Early varieties are usually ready to harvest from June to August, while maincrop varieties mature from July to September. Pick the pods when they feel plump and are well-filled with peas. Don't wait too long, as overripe peas become starchy and less flavourful.

Pea Pests and Diseases

Unfortunately, peas are not immune to problems. Keep a lookout for pea pests such as aphids, slugs, and even pigeons. Also, watch out for diseases such as powdery mildew and pea moth. Take preventative measures to protect your plants and treat any problems early.

Types of Peas

As mentioned above, there are three main types of peas to choose from: early varieties, maincrop, and mangetout. Early varieties tend to be dwarf and are ready early. Maincrop varieties are usually taller and need more pea support, but produce more prolifically. Mangetout peas are grown for the edible pods such as sugar snap peas and snow peas.

Storing Peas

Freshly harvested peas taste the best, but they can be stored in the fridge for a few days. If you've got a glut, you can easily shell them and freeze them for longer storage.

Month-by-Month Guide

February/March: Sow seeds indoors. March-June: Sow seeds directly outdoors. May: Plant out seedlings after the last frost. June-August: Harvest early varieties. July-September: Harvest maincrop varieties. Remember to keep picking regularly to encourage more pods to grow.

So there you have it! Growing peas is a simple, fun, and rewarding experience. From the tiny seeds to the delicious harvest, it’s a real joy to witness. So get out there and start growing your own peas. Happy gardening!