Peas are well suited to cooler climates. By growing a range of types and varieties peas can be harvested from May to September. The climbing edible-podded types fit into almost any garden, producing attractive flowers and tasty flowers. Pea roots fix nitrogen, boosting sol fertility. In cool climates, peas are more reliable for drying than beans.

Crop Diversity- Shelling peas: early main crops and main crops mostly 18-48in (45-120cm) tall, but old cultivars, to 8ft (2.5m) or more are still available. The pods are usually green but some are purple. Round-seeded peas are hardier but less productive and not so sweet tasting as wrinkle-seeded types. Petit-pois are selected smaller pea cultivars.

Edible-podded peas: Snow peas are eaten when immature and flat. Sugar or snap pod are picked when pods are thick-walled and plump. Both grow 2-5ft (0.6-1.5m) tall

Ideal Site- Peas need soil that does not dry out in summer, but is not waterlogged in winter. Summer crops tolerate some shade. Tall peas make an attractive screen. The leaf-less types look attractive in small clumps or containers. Prior to planting prepare the site by applying a low-fertility soil improver. The ideal soil pH is 6-6.8
 

 

Seed to Harvest- Early crops 11-12 weeks: Main crops 13-14 weeks

Cultivation- Grow a range of varieties for a regular crop through summer. The early and late sowings are less likely to be attacked by pea moth. The minimum germination temperature for peas is 50F (10C). Undercover: Sow the earliest crops in deep cell packs or under protection from March. Harden off and transplant when about 4in (10cm) tall.

Outside: Peas do not germinate well in cold wet soil so delay the sowing until soil in warm enough or sow under clotches. Sow until early June, summer sowings thrive only if the soil does not dry out. Sow round-seeded cultivars in November in milder areas.

Spacing- Sow in broad rows, 9in (23cm) wide or double rows, of two rows 2in (5cm) wide and 9in (23cm) apart, spacing seed 2in (5cm) apart each way in the row. Leave 24-36in (60-90cm) between rows depending on height of cultivars. Block Planting: Suitable for semi-leafless and shorter cultivars: 2-3in (5-7.5cm) apart.

Plant Care- Provide supports for plants early on. Peas have tendrils that cling to twiggy sticks, wire mesh, or a Pea Fence . Leafless or semi-leafless varieties need little support if grown in a block. Mulch to keep soil moist. Water pea plants regularly in dry conditions from when flowers first open. Watering before will not improve the crop, but just encourage lots of leafy growth.

Problems- Birds, mice, pea moth, pea and bean weevil, pea thrips, and root rot.

Harvesting- Pick snow peas as soon as of convenient size. Keep picking to encourage production. Harvest sugar peas when pods are plump. Pick shelling peas when the peas can be felt through the pod, before they get too large. Fresh peas freeze well. Peas for drying should be left to hang on plants until rattling dry. Shell peas to finish drying. Keep in airtight jars.

Nutrients- Peas are a good source of Protein, Vitamin A, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Phosphorus and Copper, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Thiamin and Manganese.