How to Grow Peas: Growing Guide

Peas are one of the easiest and most rewarding vegetables to grow, especially if you’re working with small garden spaces or containers. They’re a cool weather crop that thrives in spring and fall. They are one of the first crops you can plant in early spring, bringing a sense of renewal and excitement to the garden after a long winter. In the fall, peas provide a perfect second chance to enjoy a fresh, homegrown harvest before the frost arrives. 

Another reason we adore growing peas is that they are incredibly versatile. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a tiny balcony, peas are perfect for small space gardening and can even be grown in containers. This makes them accessible to anyone, regardless of their gardening experience or available space. On top of that, peas are easy to grow, quick to mature, and they taste so much better when picked fresh from the vine, sweet, crisp, and bursting with flavour!

This guide is designed to make growing peas simple and fun. Let’s get started!

Why grow peas?

Peas are a great choice for small gardens because they can grow vertically, which saves space. They also grow well in containers, so even if you have no yard at all, you can grow peas on a balcony or patio. Plus, they’re delicious, packed with nutrients, and versatile in the kitchen. Whether you prefer sweet snap peas, tender snow peas, or classic shelling peas, there’s a variety that will suit your taste.

Recommended pea varieties

Here are some of the best pea varieties that we like growing here in zone 5b:

Snap peas:

Sugar Ann: Extra early, incredibly sweet snap peas.

Super sugar snap: A disease resistant variety with high yields.

Snow peas:

Oregon Sugar Pod II: A cold-tolerant variety great for stir-fries.

Avalanche: exceptional yields of beautiful dark green pods

Shelling peas:

Green Arrow: High-yielding and disease-resistant.

Alaska: Versatile, tasty and reliable.

When and how to plant peas

When to plant:

In zone 5b, plant peas 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date in spring. This usually means late March to early April. If planting in fall, sow seeds in late July or early August to harvest before the first frost.

How to plant:

1. Soak pea seeds in water for 6-8 hours before planting to encourage faster germination.
2. Prepare your garden bed by applying a 1 inch layer of compost.
3. Plant seeds 1 inch deep and about 2 inches apart in rows, leaving 18-24 inches between rows.
4. Water gently after planting to moisten the soil.

How to grow snap peas:

Snap peas are similar to other varieties but are prized for their edible pods. Follow these steps:

• Provide a trellis or support system, as snap peas are climbers.
• Mulch the soil to retain moisture and keep roots cool.
• Harvest snap peas when the pods are fully developed but before the peas inside get too large.

Ideal growing conditions

1. Sunlight: Peas need at least 6 hours of sunlight daily, but they can tolerate partial shade, especially during hot afternoons.

2. Soil: Peas thrive in well draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Add compost or aged manure to enrich the soil before planting.

3. Fertilizer: Natural amendment use bone meal or rock phosphate for phosphorus and potassium.

4. Water: Peas need about 1 inch of water per week. Water deeply but avoid overwatering, as soggy soil can lead to root rot. Water at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry and reduce disease risk.

Pest and dis-ease control

Common pests include:

• Aphids: Spray with a neem oil solution.
• Cutworms: Use collars around seedlings to protect them.
• Powdery Mildew: Prevent by spacing plants properly and avoiding overhead watering.

Best companion plants for peas

• Carrots
• Radishes
• Spinach
• Lettuce

Avoid planting peas near onions or garlic, as they can inhibit growth.

Growing peas in containers

Peas grow beautifully in containers with the right setup:

• Use a container at least 12 inches deep and wide.
• Fill with compost, coco coir and vermiculite.
• Place the container in a sunny spot and provide a trellis for support.

Harvesting peas

• For snap and snow peas, harvest when the pods are plump but before the seeds inside become too large.
• For shelling peas, wait until the pods are firm and filled out.
• Use scissors or your fingers to gently pick the pods to avoid damaging the plant.

Storage

• Store fresh peas in the refrigerator for up to a week, or blanch and freeze them for longer storage.

Saving pea seeds

To save seeds for next year:

1. Allow some pods to fully mature and dry on the vine.
2. Harvest the dried pods and remove the seeds.
3. Store seeds in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.

Easy Peas-y white cheddar mac and cheese recipe

Ingredients:

1 pound dry elbow macaroni

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1.5 cups whole milk

1.5 cups white cheddar cheese

1 cups fresh peas

Salt and cracked black pepper

Instructions:

Cook pasta:

Boil a large pot of salted water.

Add the pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes. Strain in a colander.

Make sauce:

In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat.

Add milk, stirring until smooth and thickened.

Add cheese:

Stir in the white cheddar cheese until melted.

Season with salt and pepper.

Combine everything:

Fold in the cooked pasta. Gently mix in peas. Enjoy!!

Growing Peas in Different Zones

• Zone 3-4: Plant as soon as the soil is workable in spring, around late April.
• Zone 6-7: Plant in early spring or late fall.
• Zone 8-10: Focus on fall and winter planting, as summers can be too hot.

Quick growing guide for peas

Here’s a handy chart for a quick reference on growing peas:

There’s something special about growing your own peas, watching the delicate vines climb upward, seeing the pods grow, and finally harvesting them at just the right time. Peas are not only delicious but also incredibly rewarding to grow, We love growing peas, and we hope this guide inspires you to try it too! Whether you have a little garden patch, a few containers on your balcony, or even just a sunny windowsill, peas are one of the easiest and most delightful crops to grow. Plus, they’re so versatile in the kitchen, you can enjoy them raw, cooked, or even preserved for later. We can’t wait for you to experience the joy of growing your own.

Let’s grow more! 💚