Growing Garden Peas

Did you know..... Peas lose their flavour very quickly after picking, so the quicker you can get them on your plate, the better.

Step by step guide to growing your own peas

Prepare your site

Peas like to be planted in an open, sunny site, but they do not like very high temperatures.They need a nutrient rich soil, so make sure that you dig in well-rotted compost or manure to the site well before you plant your peas out.

When to plant peas

Seeds can be planted from early spring through to early summer

How to sow peas

Seeds can either be sown in pots or directly into the ground. Pot grown seeds can be transplanted outdoors once they have germinated, when the weather is warm enough.

When sowing directly into the ground, plant seeds in a pre-watered flat trench, 1-2 inches deep and at least 3 inches apart.

Routine care of peas

Peas are natural climbers, and need some support to keep them from sprawling over the ground. Pea sticks, canes and string frames can all be used as a climbing apparatus. When peas start to grow they shoot out curly tendrils, and these wrap around the supports provided. The tender pea plants feel safer when they are supported and will grow a better crop of peas.

Birds love new pea seedlings, so it may be advisable to cover the new plants with fine netting.

Peas do not need much watering in the early stages of growth, but they really do need water when they are flowering, and also when the pods are beginning to fatten out.

When to harvest peas

Peas usually take between 12 to 16 weeks to grow, depending on the variety.  They are usually ready to harvest three weeks after they have flowered.  They need to be picked regularly, and always from the bottom.  The tops of the plant can be pinched out when they have reached the top of the support/canes.  This is to encourage new growth further down.

When the plant has finished producing peas, cut down the climbing growth at root level.  Leave the roots in, as they full of nitrogen, which in time will be released back into the soil, ready for your next veg crop.  The stems should be checked for any old pea pods that have been missed.  Old pea pods go brown and dry.  They contain dried mature peas.  Keep these pods, as they are next years’ seeds.  Stems should be roughly chopped and placed into the compost bin.

Storing peas for later use

Peas are at their best when used immediately, but they can be frozen and used at a later date. Peas need to be frozen as quickly as possible to retain their excellent vitamin content and garden-sweet taste.

Recommended varieties of peas

Pisum sativum macrocarpon: Known as the Snow Pea, these peas are eaten whole in it's pod while still young.

Pisum sativum macrocarpon ser cv : Better known as the Sugar Snap Pea or mangetout, these peas are eaten whole, pod included.

'Waverex': This variety of petit pois (small pea) yields plenty of sweet tasting pods.

Serving suggestion for peas.....

Pea Soup