Growing peas

An Exhaustive Guide to Growing Peas
Peas! Those delightful little spheres of sweetness that pop with flavor. Whether you dream of snapping sugar peas straight from the vine, shelling plump garden peas for a creamy risotto, or enjoying the delicate tendrils of pea shoots in a salad, growing your own peas is a rewarding experience. This comprehensive guide will delve into the fascinating world of pea cultivation, covering the diverse types, their unique growing habits, and the crucial role of soil temperature for a successful harvest.
A World of Peas: Exploring the Different Types
The term “pea” encompasses a surprising variety, each with its own distinct characteristics and culinary uses. Understanding these differences is the first step towards a bountiful pea harvest.
1. Garden Peas (Shelling Peas):
* The Classic: These are the peas most of us picture when we think of peas. They develop plump, round seeds within inedible pods.
* Growing Habit: Garden peas can be bush or vining types.
   * Bush Varieties: These are compact plants, typically growing 2-3 feet tall, and are well-suited for smaller gardens or containers. They often produce a concentrated harvest over a shorter period. Popular bush varieties include ‘Little Marvel’, ‘Wando’, and ‘Early Girl’.
   * Vining Varieties: These can climb to impressive heights (4-8 feet or more) and require support like trellises, netting, or stakes. They tend to produce over a longer season. Popular vining varieties include ‘Sugar Snap Tendril’, ‘Telephone’, and ‘Alderman’.
* Harvest: The pods are harvested when the peas inside are plump and well-formed but before they become too starchy. The pods are then shelled to extract the delicious peas.
2. Snap Peas:
* Edible Pods and Plump Peas: Snap peas offer the best of both worlds – crisp, edible pods and sweet, developing peas inside.
* Growing Habit: Snap peas are typically vining and require support to climb. They can grow 4-6 feet tall or even more. Popular snap pea varieties include ‘Sugar Snap’, ‘Super Sugar Snap’, and ‘Cascadia’.
* Harvest: The entire pod is harvested when it’s plump and the peas inside are well-developed but still tender. They are delicious eaten raw, stir-fried, or lightly steamed.
3. Snow Peas (Mange-tout):
* Flat Pods with Small Peas: Snow peas are characterized by their flat, tender, and edible pods with small, immature peas inside. “Mange-tout” literally translates to “eat all” in French.
* Growing Habit: Like snap peas, snow peas are usually vining and need support. They can reach heights of 3-5 feet. Popular snow pea varieties include ‘Oregon Sugar Pod II’, ‘Dwarf Grey Sugar’, and ‘Mammoth Melting Sugar’.
* Harvest: The pods are harvested when they are flat, tender, and before the peas inside become too large and prominent. They are commonly used in stir-fries and salads.
Beyond the Basics: Exploring Unique Pea Types:
* Dry Peas (Field Peas): These are grown for their mature, dried seeds, which are used in soups, stews, and split pea soup. Examples include ‘Green Split Pea’, ‘Yellow Split Pea’, and ‘Black-Eyed Peas’ (though botanically different, often grouped).
* Edible-Podded Shelling Peas: These are a newer category that aims to combine the shelling quality with edible pods when young.
* Pea Shoots: The young tendrils and leaves of pea plants are also edible and offer a delicate, slightly sweet flavor. They are harvested when the plants are young and tender.
Understanding Pea Growing Habits:
The growth habit of your chosen pea variety will significantly influence how you plan your garden and provide support.
* Bush Peas:
   * Pros: Require less support, suitable for containers and smaller spaces, often mature earlier.
   * Cons: Shorter harvest window, may be less productive overall compared to vining types.
   * Support: While they don’t need tall trellises, providing short stakes or low netting can help keep the plants upright and the pods off the soil, reducing the risk of rot and making harvesting easier.
* Vining Peas:
   * Pros: Longer harvest window, generally more productive per plant, maximize vertical space.
   * Cons: Require sturdy support structures like trellises, netting, or stakes, take up more horizontal space initially.
   * Support: Provide support as soon as the seedlings begin to develop tendrils. Options include:
     * Trellises: Wooden or metal structures that provide a strong framework for climbing.
     * Netting: Plastic or biodegradable netting stretched between stakes.
     * Pea Sticks: Branchy twigs or small branches pushed into the ground near the plants.
     * String or Twine: Run horizontally between stakes at regular intervals.
The Crucial Role of Soil Temperature:
Peas are cool-season crops and are highly sensitive to soil temperature, especially during germination. Understanding the ideal temperature range is key to getting your pea seeds to sprout successfully and for healthy plant development.
* Optimal Germination Temperature: The ideal soil temperature for pea seed germination is between 40°F and 75°F (4°C and 24°C).
* Minimum Germination Temperature: Peas can germinate at soil temperatures as low as 35°F (2°C), but germination will be very slow and the risk of seed rot increases significantly.
* Maximum Germination Temperature: Soil temperatures above 80°F (27°C) can severely inhibit germination and even damage the seeds.
* Ideal Growing Temperature: Once germinated, peas thrive in cooler temperatures, ideally between 60°F and 70°F (15°C and 21°C).
Why Soil Temperature Matters:
* Germination Speed: Warmer (within the optimal range) soil temperatures lead to faster and more uniform germination.
* Seed Rot: Cold, wet soil significantly increases the risk of pea seeds rotting before they can sprout.
* Plant Vigor: Consistent, cool soil temperatures promote healthy root development and vigorous plant growth.
* Flowering and Pod Production: High soil temperatures during flowering can lead to reduced pod set and lower yields.
Tips for Managing Soil Temperature:
* Planting Time: Sow pea seeds in early spring as soon as the soil is workable. In regions with mild winters, a fall planting for a winter or early spring harvest is also possible. Pay attention to your local last frost date in spring and first frost date in fall.
* Succession Planting: For a continuous harvest, sow new batches of peas every 2-3 weeks during the cool season.
* Mulching: Once the seedlings emerge, a layer of organic mulch (such as straw or shredded leaves) can help to keep the soil cool and retain moisture.
* Location: Choose a planting location that receives full sun (at least 6-8 hours daily) but is not prone to excessive heat buildup.
* Watering: Consistent watering is important, especially during germination and flowering. Avoid overwatering, which can cool the soil excessively and lead to rot.
Beyond Temperature: Other Essential Growing Tips:
* Soil Preparation: Peas prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend heavy clay or sandy soils with compost before planting.
* pH: The ideal soil pH for peas is between 6.0 and 7.5.
* Fertilizing: Peas are legumes and can fix their own nitrogen from the air. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of pod production. A balanced fertilizer applied at planting or side-dressed later in the season may be beneficial in poor soils.
* Watering: Water deeply and regularly, especially during flowering and pod development. Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of fungal diseases.
* Pest and Disease Control: Be vigilant for common pea pests like aphids and pea weevils, and diseases like powdery mildew. Implement appropriate organic pest control methods if necessary.
* Harvesting: Harvest peas regularly as the pods reach their optimal size and tenderness. This encourages the plant to continue producing more pods.
Conclusion:
Growing peas is a delightful journey that connects you with the cycles of nature and rewards you with fresh, flavorful harvests. By understanding the different types of peas, their unique growing habits, and the critical role of soil temperature, you can create the ideal conditions for a thriving pea patch. So, get your hands in the soil, provide the right support, and watch as those tiny seeds transform into a bounty of delicious peas – a true taste of homegrown goodness! Happy planting!