Growing Peas (Pisum Sativum)

Planting Peas

Peas aren't only delicious, they are extremely easy to grow and care for. Unlike a lot of veggies, peas like to be planted close together as they help each other "stand up". They tend to prefer cooler weather, so early Spring is a good time to start. You usually can plant until early summer, but hold off when temps are 75º and above. Then in late summer/early fall you can start all over again.

Before planting, mix in a fair amount of compost and rotted manure. This will most likely be all the food your peas will need for their entire lifespan!

Caring For Peas

Peas have the wonderful ability to take nitrogen right from the air, so additional fertilizer is usually not necessary. I wish all plants were like this! Just keep the soil moist, but not over-watered and they should end up in the kitchen in no time at all!

It's best to give the peas something to grow on. Trellising works well, or you can even have them grow "up" other plants such as corn or sunflowers!

Harvesting Peas

The best time to pick peas confuses some people. You want to pick them before they become TOO ripe, otherwise the peas become starchy and loose their sweetness. In other words, pick when the peas are fully formed, but before the pods start to bulge. Unless you want to save seed for next year!

Peas Pests

Aphids, Tarnished Plant Bugs

Peas Diseases

Enation, Downy Mildew, Damping Off

Peas Varieties

Oregon Sugar Pod, Sugar Daddy, Super Sugar Snap

Tips For Growing Peas

Keep peas moist, but not over-watered. Fertilizer is usually not necessary. You can soak the seeds over night before planting for speedy germination.

USDA Organic - Cascadia Bush Snap Pea Seeds