How To Grow Peas Indoors For A Thriving Vegetable Through Winter

Peas make a delicious snack, salad addition, or even soup, so it's no surprise that you might want to be able to grow them year-round. They, like many vegetables, can thrive indoors during winter if you provide them with the right growing conditions. While their large size and need for full sun can pose some challenges, these are far from insurmountable if you really have your heart set on growing your own peas even in the depths of winter.

Peas thrive in temperatures between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, making them great crops for spring and fall, but once temperatures drop below 55 degrees, you'll either have to say goodbye for the year or move your garden indoors. Because peas don't transplant well, starting a new crop inside is likely more practical than digging up your plants and bringing them in. Though if you've been growing yours in a container garden, simply bringing your planter indoors is an option. If you're starting your indoor plants from new seeds, you can soak your seeds overnight before planting to help them germinate more quickly.

It's important to provide your peas with the best growing conditions possible. Using a strong grow light to mimic the full sun conditions they love is step one. Plant your seedlings into fertile and well-draining potting mix, and be sure there are drainage holes in the bottom of the container. Remember to keep them in their preferred temperature range of 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit if possible, and definitely avoid temperatures above 85 degrees.

While you can technically grow any type of pea indoors, many tall vining varieties may be a bit challenging to find a spot for inside. In that case, your best option is to go for a bush variety, which should only grow to 2 or 3 feet. Just be aware that the life cycle of these pea plants is slightly different, as the fruit of bush varieties matures all at once. There are even dwarf cultivars like 'Tom Thumb' that only grow to about 18 inches tall. Pea plants have a relatively fast growth rate, so you should have plenty of pods to harvest in about 60 days, depending on the specific cultivar. The shoots are also edible and delicious.