Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
QUICK TIPS FOR GROWING PEAS
FAMILY
NAME
Papilionaceae (legume, pea or bean family).
EDIBLE
PARTS
Pods and seeds.
LOCATION
Partial shade.
BEST SOIL
Light, sandy, loamy soil, not too rich in nitrogen; pH 5.5-6.8.
WHEN TO
PLANT
Requires moderate temperatures. Direct-seed in early spring as
soon as your soil can be worked for an early summer harvest. For
a fall harvest, plant in mid-August.
HOW TO
PLANT
Sow seeds 1 to 2 inches deep, 1 inch apart in rows 18 to 24
inches apart.
HOW MUCH
TO PLANT
50 to 100 feet per person.
COMPANION
PLANTS
For a positive effect plant with carrots, corn, cucumbers,
eggplants, lettuce, radishes, and spinach. Plants that will have a
negative effect are tomatoes, turnips, and rutabagas.
WEEDING
Keep well weeded, especially while the plants are young.
WATERING
Peas require regular watering.
CARE
Put in stakes at the time of planting. They do not do well in the
heat, so they may need some shelter once the warm weather
comes.
FERTILIZING
Fertilize with fish fertilizer or compost tea after the first heavy
bloom and again once the pods start to form.
PESTS AND
DISEASES
Use crop rotation to prevent pest and diseases. Aphids, cucumber
beetles, and powdery mildew can cause problems.
WHEN TO
HARVEST
Depending on the variety, peas will usually mature in 55 to 70
days. Pods need to be picked every few days so the plant knows
to produce more. If the pods are not picked, the plant will stop
producing. Shelling peas: harvest when pods are full, usually at
about 2 to 3 inches long. Snow peas: harvest when the pods are
still flat and about 3 inches long. Snap peas: harvest when pods
are full and about 2 to 3 inches long.
HOW TO
HARVEST
Gently pull the pod from the plant.
