Planting Peas

Peas are a cool season annual. They can be planted in the garden 4-6 weeks before last frost date in the spring. Ideal soil pH is 6.0-7.0 with cool soil temperatures for germination. Seed Depth: 1 – 2″ deep Plant Spacing: 2 – 4″ apart Row Spacing: 3 – 4′ apart Plant in full sun to partial shade in rich, well-drained soil. Allow 6-14 days for germination. Use mulch to keep in moisture and keep out weeds. Peas will do best if trellised for support.

Harvesting Peas

Harvest peas when pods are plump, but are still young and tender. They will have the sweetest flavor. If you pick regularly, it will promote a continual crop. Peas can be frozen or canned.

Saving Pea Seeds

Peas are self-pollinators and do not require any distance for isolation. If you are growing for seed, the peas must be trellised to prevent mold from rotting the seed. Pods are ready to pick once they have become hard and dry. Shell by hand and clean the seed. Pea seed should keep for 2-3 years if kept cool and dry.

Common Problems

• Aphids
  These very small, pear-shaped insects, with long antennae, can be green, yellow, pink, black or gray in color. Some have wings and others do not. To protect your garden from an Aphid plague, scatter wood ashes around the base of the plants, spray with homemade garlic sprays, and plant marigolds nearby to help attract predators.

Suggested Companions

• Carrots
• Turnips
• Cucumbers
• Radishes
• Corn
• Beans
• Potatoes
• aromatic Herbs
• Celery
• Eggplants
• Spinach
• Pepper

Poor Companions

• Onions
• Garlic
• Gladiolas
• Sunflowers