Peas are an easy-to-grow cool season crop that reminds us of summer and goes well as a side dish! Learn how to grow peas in a pot or directly in your garden with these easy to follow instructions. There are three pea varieties that will suit your garden as well as your taste buds: sweet peas, snap peas, and snow peas. Follow our “how to grow peas” guide below to grow any one of the aforementioned varieties and enjoy them while you can – the pea growing season is short and does not last long!
How to Grow Peas in Your Garden or in Pots
Today we'll show you how to grow sweet peas, snap peas, and snow peas! Most pea varieties are pretty similar in terms of planting, growing, and caring for, so just follow the guide below to grow any pea variety!
Planting Peas:
- Get a head start by turning over your pea planting bed in the fall and adding manure to the soil. Mulch well to keep soil moist.
- Sow the pea seeds outdoors about 4-6 weeks before the last spring frost.
- Place each seed 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart.
- Pea plants grow best when the temperatures do no go above 70F.
Caring for Peas:
- Prepare well drained, humus-rich soil.
- If any seeds wash out due to snow or rain, poke them back in using a wooden stick.
- Do not over-fertilize your pea plants. Peas are especially sensitive to nitrogen, so stay away from that, but do add bonemeal.
- Water sparsely but don't let the plants dry out.
- For vine varieties, establish a cage or a stake and tie the plant with twine.
- Rotate your pea crops every year or two to avoid soil-borne diseases.
Harvesting Peas:
- The more you pick, the more pea pods will emerge!
- It's best to pick peas in the morning after the dew has dried, since that is when they are at their crispiest.
- Peas can be kept refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen.
Happy Planting!
