Types of Peas
Peas come in two main categories:
- English Peas (Garden Peas): Best for shelling.
- Edible Podded Peas: Includes snap peas and snow peas, both of which can be eaten whole.
When to Plant Peas
Peas thrive in cool weather and can tolerate light to medium frosts. Here’s when to plant them:
- Spring Planting: Direct sow peas as soon as the ground is workable, often in February or March.
- Fall Planting: Sow peas at the tail end of the growing season when cooler weather sets in.
Peas germinate at soil temperatures as low as 40°F, but 50–60°F is ideal for quicker sprouting.
Soil Preparation
Peas prefer well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Adding compost to the soil is a great way to enrich it. Peas can also fix nitrogen in the soil, improving fertility for future crops. For added success, coat the seeds with a rhizobacteria inoculant before planting.
Planting Instructions
Follow these steps to plant peas:
- Soak seeds overnight in water to improve germination.
- Plant seeds 1–2 inches deep and 1–4 inches apart.
- For intensive planting, use the banding method: plant seeds 1 inch apart in a 3-inch-wide row (about 25 seeds per foot).
- Plant in full sun but ensure the soil is not overly soaked.
Supporting Your Pea Plants
Dwarf peas, like Progress #9, do not require trellising, but vining peas benefit from support:
- Use a trellis or other vertical support to encourage straight growth and higher yields.
- If you’re interested in trellising, check out our Vertical Gardening Guide.
Caring for Peas
Peas need moderate watering, especially before flowering. Reduce watering slightly once the plants start to flower to avoid waterlogging. Succession plant peas every few weeks in the spring to extend your harvest season.
Harvesting Peas
Here’s how to tell when different types of peas are ready to harvest:
- Snow Peas: Harvest when pods are 2–3 inches long and still flat.
- Snap Peas: Pick when pods are plump but not fibrous.
- Shelling Peas: Harvest when pods are round and full.
Harvest peas every 1–3 days during peak season. Dwarf bush peas will produce a set number of pods, while vining types will continue producing until the summer heat arrives.
Storing and Using Peas
Peas are best enjoyed immediately after harvesting, as their sugars quickly turn to starch. For long-term use, leave peas on the vine to dry and use them in soups or stews.
Grow some peas and enjoy fresh, organic produce straight from your garden. Grow organic for life!
Ready to plant your own? Browse our full selection of snap pea seeds for a productive and tasty cool-season crop.
