Growing Peas

With bush and vining types available in many varieties, every vegetable gardener can find at least one that will become a regular addition to the garden.

There are a few different types of peas from which to choose. Snow peas produce flat pods and tender vine tips that are usually eaten whole, raw or cooked.

Snap peas are also eaten whole but have a thicker, crunchier pod. Shell peas are the source of the sweet pea, which are taken from their tough, inedible pods.

Soup or dried peas produce hard seeds that are harvested from an inedible pod and dried. Within each of these types, there are several varieties to choose from.

Planting Peas

Peas are a cool crop. They will tolerate a light frost and night temperatures to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The seeds can be planted a month before the last frost date in your region.

In areas where summers do not get too hot, additional plantings can be made through the summer season. Once the weather gets hot, peas do not produce well. For areas with hot summers and mild winters, a late summer crop can be planted for harvesting in late fall.

Whether you grow the vining varieties or bush varieties, all growing peas need some support. A tall mesh-covered trellis works best for vining types, while simple stakes made from tall twigs are adequate to support a bush variety.

Plant peas in an area with full sun, well-drained soil, and some protection from wind. Prepare the soil in the planting bed by tilling the top ten inches of soil and adding compost. Add organic matter to poor soil. Soak the seeds overnight to accelerate germination.

For trellised vines, plant a row on either side of the trellis. For raised beds planting, plant seeds two inches apart in rows four feet apart.

Thinning is not necessary for peas. When the plants are about a foot tall, add a layer of mulch to keep the soil moist and cool.

Organic mulch is the only fertilizer needed. Water the plants regularly to keep the ground moist. Weed carefully to avoid breaking the delicate vines.

Pests and Diseases

Aphids, bean maggots, weevils, snails, slugs and cucumber beetles are the common pests that attack peas. Use organic methods to control these pests. Root rot, wilt, mosaic virus and downy mildew are common diseases.

Look for varieties that are disease-resistant or use organic controls. Rotate the location of pea plants to avoid root rot. If you haven't planted peas, coat the seeds with powdered inoculants.

Growing peas requires timely planting and little maintenance. Peas add iron, fiber and vitamin C to the diet. They are easy to prepare in cooked recipes and delicious raw in salads or as a snack. With so many varieties to choose from, peas should be included in any home vegetable garden.