My granddad always planted his garden peas between mid and late March, so right now is the perfect time to get started! The first step? Decide which type of pea you want to grow.
Which Pea Varieties Are You Planting?
- English (Shelling) Peas: These are the classic sweet, tender peas that need to be shelled because their pods are tough and stringy.
- Snow Peas: Picked when the pods are still flat and young, before the peas inside fill out, so the pods remain tender and not stringy.
- Snap Peas: Crunchy, sweet pods that you can eat whole at any stage.
A Few Tips to Get Started
Most peas grow on vines and will need support, whether it’s a trellis, poles with twine, or even a tomato cage! There are dwarf snap pea varieties (like Cascadia and Sugar Ann) that grow only a couple of feet tall and don’t need a trellis. Also, remember: all parts of the pea plant are edible. The leaves, shoots, and even flowers can be sautéed with garlic and olive oil for a tasty, nutrient-packed side dish.
How to Plant Peas
- Choose a sunny spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight.
- Loosen the soil well.
- Soak your seeds for 12 to 24 hours before planting to speed germination (optional but helpful).
- Plant seeds about 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart, in rows spaced 12 to 24 inches apart.
- Consider using a pea/bean inoculant—a helpful bacteria that boosts nitrogen absorption and increases your yield.
Common Challenges
- Aphids: The most frequent pest, usually found on new growth. A gentle mist with your hose often washes them away.
- Powdery Mildew: Avoid wetting the foliage when watering, and space rows well to encourage airflow. Keep your garden free of weeds and debris to reduce spores next season.
Fun Facts About Peas
- Peas were domesticated about 11,000 years ago and were eaten even earlier.
- Thomas Jefferson grew over 30 pea varieties!
- Janet Harris of England once ate 7,175 peas in one hour—using chopsticks!
- Peas pack a protein punch: 8.58 grams per cup, more than an egg for the same calories.
- They’re rich in vitamins K, B-complex, C, and minerals like iron and zinc.
Harvesting Tips
- Pick English peas when pods are full and plump.
- Harvest snow peas early, before the peas inside thicken.
- Snap peas are best eaten before the pods fill out completely to avoid stringiness.
Because peas lose sweetness quickly after picking (sugars convert to starch), nothing beats fresh peas from your own garden. Growing peas is easy, fun, and a delicious way to start your spring garden.
Stop by Great Big Greenhouse & Nursery
Spring planting season is here! Visit us at The Great Big Greenhouse in Richmond for seeds, inoculants, trellises, and expert advice to get your pea patch growing strong.