Peas
Peas
Peas can be planted early as they tolerate some frost. When grown on light ground they prefer slight mid- day shade but otherwise need full sun. Peas may be grown on almost any soil if the pH is above 5.0. Germination is slow in wet, cool, poorly aerated soil. Poor drainage is harmful at any stage of growth. Peas are planted when the soil is workable but before May 15. The soil temperature needs to be above 40 degrees. Plant the seed 1 inch deep and 2 to 3 inches apart in rows 2 feet apart. Plants to be trained on a trellis are planted 6 inches apart. Peas are not heavy 10-10 fertilizer per 50 feet of row two weeks before planting. Use the same rate later in the season if the plants turn yellow and stop growing. Adequate water is needed for good pod development. The plants may be grown on poles spaced at 3 foot intervals with 2 to 3 plants per pole. A chicken wire trellis may be used. Peas benefit from mulching.
Harvest just before the peas are full size but when pods are well filled and firm. Start harvesting at the bottom of the plant as those pods mature first.
Snow Peas, Sugar Peas, Edible Podded Peas, and Chinese Pea Pods are harvested when the peas are barely visible in the pods yet when the pods are full size.
Sugar Snap Peas are harvested when the peas are mature and the pods well filled. The pods are not suggested for canning.
