Peas are one of the first seeds you can put in the ground in February. They are best directly sown from seed, but they can also be grown from transplants. Climbing varieties yield over a longer time than bush varieties. The tender new shoot add a mild pea flavor to salads. Snap and snow peas have edible pods where as shelling peas yield tasty green seeds that are removed from the pod.
Peas require full sun (at least six hours of direct sun), and well drained, soil. Mix 1‐2” of compost into planting area. If possible prepare beds the previous fall. Add an all purpose fertilize to the bottom of each planting row.
Peas are best grown directly from seed. Begin planting in February, or 5 weeks before the average last frost date. Seeds can be planted through May and again in mid July for a fall crop.
There are mixed opinions about soaking pea seeds 24 hours before planting. Try both presoaking and dry peas and see which way works best for you! Damp pea seeds can also be rolled in powdered inoculant to increase nitrogen fixation. Peas will fix nitrogen without inoculant, especially if peas have been grown in the area before. Plant seeds 1” apart and 1” deep in rows 18‐24” apart.
Peas can transplant from starts as well. Be sure to disturb the roots as little as possible and avoid pot bound plants. Water in transplants with a liquid seaweed mixture.
How much water your plants need will depend on the soil and weather. Peas prefer moist soil for germination, shallow watering may be needed. Once peas germinate their water needs are low until flowering begins. After flowering water when the top 2” of the soil is dry. Avoid overhead irrigation to help avoid fungal diseases. Uneven watering can lead to pithy white rings in the roots.
Climbing varieties should be trellised or planted near a fence. Bush varieties can be left to grow in a mound or supported by a small trellis. Side dress or fertilize plants when they are 6” tall with compost or a fertilizer high in phosphorus (P) and potassium (K).
Good gardening practices such as crop rotation, drip irrigation, proper planting time, floating row covers, and removal of entire plants when harvest is done all help prevent many pest and disease challenges.