Garden Peas
Planting
Peas should be planted in early spring, well before the last frost. For an extended harvest, different varieties in successive plantings. Successive plantings of the same varieties tend to catch up with each other, resulting in one big harvest.
Peas will germinate faster if soaked in water overnight before planting.
Location and Planting
Peas are one of the first crops you will plant in your vegetable garden. Plant them as early in spring as the soil can be worked. They don't mind frost.
Peas need as much sun as possible. If you plant them in the shade the plants will grow and produce a crop of peas, but the sugar content will be low and the peas will taste old and starchy.
Peas grow best in a 16-inch wide double row, with a 16 inch wide pathway between rows. They won't need staking if planted this way because the plants will hold each other up, and a dense crop will shade the soil to help eliminate weeds.
Maintenance
Peas require very little maintenance during the growing season. Like all legumes, they don't need much fertilizer, especially if you have worked organic material into the soil before planting.
Peas need adequate but not excessive water at soil level, Avoid watering over top of mature leaves and flowers.
Harvesting
You can begin picking green peas about three weeks after the plants blossom. Look for plump, bright green pods, and use scissors to clip peas from the vine to avoid damaging the plants. Harvesting daily will keep the plants producing longer. If left on the vine too long the peas become hard and starchy.
Peas quickly lose flavor after they are picked, so if possible, cook them the day they are harvested. You can freeze any excess:
- Blanch in boiling water for 1 1/2 minutes.
- Drain and allow to cool.
- Package in plastic containers or freezer bags.
- Freeze.
If peas become overripe you can dry them to use in soups and stews. Spread shelled peas on a flat surface where they can remain undisturbed for about three weeks to dry. Store them in an air tight container.
Crop Rotation
Crop rotation is a preventative measure which will inhibit the growth of diseases affecting the plant. After harvesting, remove all vines and burn them. They usually contain a variety of diseases and are not suitable for composting. Plant peas in a different section of the garden next year.
Companions
Good companions for peas include bush beans, pole beans, carrots, corn, cucumber, radish and turnips. Don't plant near onions.
Recipes
