How To Grow Yellow Split Peas

Yellow peas (Pioum Sativum) are classified as garden pea varieties and are one of the many pea varieties indigenous to Europe and Central Asia. After they are husked, yellow peas are often dried, split and then used in a number of different soups and dishes. Growing yellow peas in the home garden requires cool growing conditions and plenty of sunshine.

Yellow peas (Pioum Sativum) are classified as garden pea varieties and are one of the many pea varieties indigenous to Europe and Central Asia. After they are husked, yellow peas are often dried, split and then used in a number of different soups and dishes. Growing yellow peas in the home garden requires cool growing conditions and plenty of sunshine.

Step 1

Dig up the planting area to a depth between 10 and 12 inches about two weeks prior to planting. You can plant peas in the garden anytime after the soil reaches a temperature of at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit and the soil is dry enough that it is not sticking to garden tools.

Step 2

Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of aged manure or dehydrated compost over the area. Work the compost or manure into the soil thoroughly using a garden fork, or a rototiller, if you have one.

Step 3

Fertilize the planting area using approximately 1 Ib. of fertilizer to every 50 square feet of planting area. Use a 5-10-10 or similar type fertilizer.

Step 4

Place a very small amount of water into a shallow bowl, about 1/2 to 1 tbsp. Mix into the water a powdered variety of an inoculant that contains the rhizobium leguminosarium bacteria. Make sure you read the instructions provided on the packaging so you will know how much inoculant to use per tbsp. of water.

Step 5

Place the yellow pea seeds into the bowl that contains the moistened inoculant and coat them thoroughly with the powder.

Step 6

Create rows spaced 18 to 20 inches apart. Poke 1- to 1 1/2-inch deep holes in the center of each row, approximately 1 inch apart. Plant one or two yellow pea seeds in each hole, then cover with 1 to 1 1/2 inches of garden soil.

Step 7

Firm down the soil over the planted rows. Water the planted area thoroughly using a mist of water to soak the soil, and keep the soil moderately moist, allowing it to dry out in between watering.

Step 8

Harvest your peas when they are ripe, usually between 55 and 80 days after planting, and appear swollen and slightly rounded.