How to Grow Peas
See how easy it is to grow this low-maintenance plant that's a summer favorite and a staple in a number of soup and stew recipes.
This low-maintenance plant is a summer favorite and a staple in a number of soup and stew recipes. And fun fact: the green pea is one of the oldest cultivated vegetables in the world!
How To Plant Peas
Start: Peas can be direct sown in early spring 4-6 weeks before the last frost (as soon as the soil is workable) for a first crop and late summer for a fall crop. Sow 2” apart in double rows spaced 6” apart with 24” between double rows. Cover with 1” of fine soil. Thin to stand 4-6” apart when seedlings are 1-2” high.
Water: Peas do not do well in overly wet conditions. Keep soil evenly moist but not saturated. Peas require about 1” of rain per week.
Soil: Peas prefer fertile well-drained soil but will tolerate most soils except heavy clay. Average soil with some compost worked into it will suit them wonderfully. pH 5.8-7.0
Light: Full sun.
Fertilize: Peas are legumes are able to capture nitrogen from the air through their leaves. They do not require fertilizing, but if a fertilizer is used, choose one with little or no nitrogen.
Harvest: Harvest peas when the pods look full and are still bright, shiny green. If the peas have started bulging the pod and the pod is dull green, they are past prime.
Notes: Pea seeds can be inoculated with a beneficial bacteria at the time of planting to help them capture more nitrogen from the air.
Helpful Growing Links
Farmer’s Almanac Gardening By the Moon Calendar
Companion Planting: 10 Veggies That Should Grow Together
10 Easiest Fruits, Vegetables, and Herbs to Grow in Pots
What Seeds are Best for Early-Season Plantings?
8 Healthiest Veggies To Eat This Spring
Helpful Tips
Freezing Snow Peas and Sugar Snap Peas
This article was published by the staff at Farmers' Almanac. Do you have a question or an idea for an article? Contact us!
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Farmers' Almanac Staffhttps://www.farmersalmanac.com/author/fa-admin
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Farmers' Almanac Staffhttps://www.farmersalmanac.com/author/fa-admin
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Farmers' Almanac Staffhttps://www.farmersalmanac.com/author/fa-admin
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Farmers' Almanac Staffhttps://www.farmersalmanac.com/author/fa-admin
How many days will be taken to get a young plant of pea
I’ve read to soak peas overnight prior to planting. True or False?
It’s sure true
Thank you for publishing these “how to grow” articles. I’m especially excited to grow snap peas this summer. I’ve been buying them pickled from my local gas station and hope to try making them on my own. I’ll be bookmarking this page to reference in the future. Thanks again – Curtis D.
Ya cuz I had a project and it was so easy I used the tips to grow the plant phew??☺???thanks guys