Growing Peas

Pisum sativum : Fabaceae / the pea or legume family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    P P P              

(Best months for growing Peas in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 46°F and 75°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 2 - 3 inches apart
  • Harvest in 9-11 weeks. Pick the pods every day to increase production.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Potatoes
  • Peas in pod
  • Shelling peas
  • Young pea plant

Peas are best grown in cooler seasons. Peas need some support when growing, tree prunings with lots of small twigs are a cheap and handy source. Or else strings between posts or wire netting. Peas need tying in the early stages, until they start producing tendrils and clinging to the support.

Some pea varieties are called 'dwarf' but to make harvesting easier it is a good idea to support the plants.

Pick pea pods while young and pick them often to keep them producing.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Peas

Raw straight from the pod in the garden is best!
Raw in salads.
Steamed lightly.
Small pods can be steamed whole.

Your comments and tips

26 Jul 21, Vusi Shazi (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Hi. If you in a frost area what is better between shade net cover or plastic cover
06 Aug 21, (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Shade cloth is for cooling down - plastic is for heating up.
24 Apr 21, Is late April or May good time for planting peas? (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Which month is good for planting peas in Johannesburg??
29 Apr 21, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Go to peas, select your climate zone and read the monthly calendar for planting times.
05 Feb 21, Kirsten (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Is February too early to Plant peas?
15 Feb 21, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Check the planting calendar for your climate zone.
14 Jun 20, Andre Crous (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
What types of soil do peas like
15 Jun 20, Anonymous (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Soils range from very sandy to heavy clay, in the middle is loam. A good loamy soil with plenty of compost added to it will grow just about all vegetables. As long as you have a sufficient supply of nutrient and water you can grow things in anything, water, sand, pebble, soil, straw etc.
30 Apr 18, Klasie (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
When is the best time to plant peas in the western cape ,and what caltivar
05 Mar 18, Jan Botha (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Can I plant some green peas now in March? I'm in Pretoria
Showing 1 - 10 of 29 comments

What is the pH level for growing peas this is the first I am trying to grow peas. Please help.

- patricia

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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