How to Grow Peas: A Step-by-Step Guide
Peas offer a delightful, sweet flavor when grown fresh at home, making them a great addition to any garden. Not only do they taste better than store-bought frozen peas, but they are also easy to grow and take up minimal space.
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How to Grow Peas at Home
Plant peas 3cm deep in fertile soil between spring and midsummer. Support young plants with pea sticks to encourage vertical growth. Once flowers appear, feed plants with a high-potash fertilizer on a weekly basis. Harvest the peas approximately three months after sowing.
How to grow peas from seed
Sow pea seeds between March and early July. For earlier crops ready by May, sow in late autumn or early winter, but be aware of potential frost damage or pest issues.
Choose a sunny, well-drained location and enrich the soil with garden compost, well-rotted manure, or mushroom compost. Create a shallow trench (22cm wide and 3cm deep) using a hoe or spade. Sow peas in two parallel rows, spaced 10cm apart. Cover the seeds with soil, water them well, and label the row. The seeds should germinate in 1-2 weeks.
Alternatively, start seeds indoors in autumn to protect them from pests. Using a length of guttering ensures straight rows and makes it easy to transplant.
Sowing Pea Seeds Indoors
For those looking to protect seeds from pests or gain a head start on the growing season, sow peas indoors. A convenient method is to plant them in a length of guttering, then transplant the entire row once the plants are large enough.
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Planting Out Peas
Prevent pea plants from sprawling on the ground by installing supports early on. Peas use tendrils to climb, so choose thin supports that the tendrils can easily wrap around, such as pea sticks or netting.
How to harvest peas
Peas are typically ready for harvest about three months after sowing. For mangetout varieties, pick the pods when peas are just starting to form inside. For other types, wait until the pods are swollen with peas. Start harvesting from the bottom of the plant, as the lowest pods are the most mature. Use two hands to avoid damaging the plant.
Storing Peas
For the best flavor, peas should be eaten as soon as they are harvested. However, they can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. If there’s an abundance of peas, freezing them is an excellent option to preserve their freshness.
Preparing and Using Peas
Peas can be used in a variety of recipes, such as pea puree, soups, or salads. For more recipe inspiration, explore curated collections from top culinary sources.
Growing Peas: Troubleshooting
Pea moths can cause maggot infestations, but sowing seeds early (October to mid-February) or late (June and July) reduces the risk. Covering crops with horticultural fleece or fine mesh will also help.
Slugs can be controlled using copper rings, gritty barriers, or biological solutions. Growing peas in large pots with adequate water can help keep pests at bay.
Buying Peas
When selecting pea seeds, choose varieties suitable for your garden size and growing season. Look for healthy seeds free from mold or damage. You may also opt for pea plugs for convenience.
Recommended Pea Varieties
- ‘Canoe’: Curved pods with tender, sweet peas.
- ‘Greensage’: Heavy cropper with sweet, tender peas.
- ‘Kelvedon Wonder’: Early dwarf variety with prolific yields.
- ‘Purple Podded’: Heritage variety with purple pods and medium-sweet peas.
- ‘Show Perfection’: Known for its good yields and sweet peas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Peas
1. When is the best time to plant peas?
Peas can be planted from early spring to midsummer. For earlier crops, sow in autumn or late winter, but keep in mind that frost or pests may affect the growth.
2. How much space do peas need to grow?
Peas require minimal space. Sow them in a sunny, well-drained spot and ensure they have vertical support. They can be grown in small garden plots, raised beds, or containers.
3. Do peas need a lot of maintenance?
Peas are low-maintenance. They benefit from a weekly feed of high-potash fertilizer once they begin flowering and should be regularly watered. Additionally, support young plants with pea sticks or netting to help them climb.
4. Can I grow peas in containers or pots?
Yes, peas can be successfully grown in containers or pots, especially larger ones. Just make sure to provide sufficient support for the climbing plants and keep them well-watered.
5. How can I avoid pests while growing peas?
To reduce the risk of pests, sow peas early or late in the season. You can also cover plants with horticultural fleece or fine mesh. For slug issues, use copper rings or gritty barriers, or consider biological control options.
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