What To Know
- Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this guide will equip you with everything you need to know about how to grow peas in Ohio.
- Plant peas in early spring as soon as the ground can be worked, typically in March or April.
- Once your peas are planted, there are a few key care practices to ensure a bountiful harvest.
Ohio’s climate is perfect for growing delicious, sweet peas. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this guide will equip you with everything you need to know about how to grow peas in Ohio.
Choosing the Right Pea Variety
The first step to successful pea growing is selecting the right variety. Ohio’s climate allows for a wide range of pea types, but choosing the best fit for your needs and preferences is crucial.
- Shelling Peas: These peas are harvested when the pods are plump and full, but before the peas inside have hardened. They’re ideal for fresh eating, freezing, or canning. Popular shelling pea varieties for Ohio include:
- Sugar Snap: These peas have sweet, tender pods that can be eaten whole.
- Snowbird: A high-yielding variety with sweet, flavorful peas.
- Wando: A classic, reliable variety with excellent flavor.
- English Peas: These peas are harvested when the pods are mature and the peas inside are firm. They’re best for cooking and are often used in soups, stews, and salads.
- Lincoln: A high-yielding variety with large, flavorful peas.
- Wando: This versatile variety is also a good choice for English peas.
- Snap Peas: These peas have tender, edible pods. They’re harvested when the pods are young and crisp.
- Sugar Ann: A popular variety with sweet, crunchy pods.
- Oregon Sugar Pod II: A high-yielding variety with excellent flavor.
Understanding Ohio’s Growing Season
Ohio’s climate offers two distinct planting seasons for peas:
- Spring: Plant peas in early spring as soon as the ground can be worked, typically in March or April.
- Fall: For a late-season harvest, plant peas in late summer or early fall. Choose varieties that mature quickly, and aim for planting in August or September.
Preparing the Soil
Peas thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Here’s how to prepare your garden bed:
- Test the soil: Use a soil testing kit to determine the pH and nutrient levels.
- Amend the soil: If the soil is too acidic, add lime. If it’s too alkaline, add sulfur. Incorporate compost or manure to improve drainage and fertility.
- Till the soil: Loosen the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches. Remove any weeds or debris.
Planting Your Peas
Once your soil is ready, follow these steps to plant your peas:
- Direct sow: Peas are best sown directly into the garden. Don’t transplant them, as they don’t handle root disturbance well.
- Spacing: Space rows 18-24 inches apart. Plant seeds 1-2 inches deep and 2-3 inches apart within the row.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth.
- Support: Most pea varieties need support to grow vertically. Provide a trellis, netting, or stakes for the vines to climb.
Caring for Your Pea Plants
Once your peas are planted, there are a few key care practices to ensure a bountiful harvest:
- Watering: Water deeply and consistently, especially during dry periods.
- Fertilizing: Peas are moderate feeders. Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting time. You can also side-dress with compost or manure as needed.
- Pest Control: Watch for common pests like aphids, pea weevils, and slugs. Control them with organic methods like insecticidal soap or diatomaceous earth.
- Disease Prevention: Good air circulation and proper watering help prevent fungal diseases.
- Harvesting: Harvest peas regularly to encourage continued production. Pick shelling peas when the pods are plump and full, but before they harden. Harvest snap peas when the pods are young and crisp.
Dealing with Common Pea Problems
While growing peas is generally straightforward, you may encounter some common challenges:
- Aphids: These small, sap-sucking insects can damage pea plants. Control them with insecticidal soap or by introducing ladybugs, which are natural aphid predators.
- Pea Weevils: These beetles lay eggs inside pea pods, which hatch into larvae that eat the peas. Control them by planting early-maturing varieties or using row covers to prevent the beetles from laying eggs.
- Slugs: These slimy creatures can eat pea seedlings and leaves. Control them with diatomaceous earth or by hand-picking them in the evening.
From Garden to Table: Enjoying Your Harvest
Once your peas are ripe, enjoy them fresh or preserve them for later use:
- Fresh Eating: Pea pods and peas are delicious eaten fresh. Enjoy them in salads, stir-fries, or simply as a snack.
- Freezing: Shell peas and blanch them before freezing for later use in soups, stews, or other dishes.
- Canning: Can peas for a longer shelf life. Follow a reliable canning recipe to ensure safe preservation.
Beyond the Harvest: Planning for Next Year
After you’ve harvested your peas, it’s a good time to reflect on your growing experience and plan for next year’s garden:
- Rotate Crops: To prevent soilborne diseases, rotate your pea crops with other vegetables each year.
- Compost: Add your pea plants and other garden debris to your compost pile to enrich the soil for next year’s garden.
- Plan for Success: Consider which varieties performed well and which you might want to try next year.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: When is the best time to plant peas in Ohio?
A: The best time to plant peas in Ohio is in early spring, as soon as the ground can be worked, typically in March or April. You can also plant peas in late summer or early fall for a late-season harvest.
Q: How often should I water my peas?
A: Water your peas deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Aim for watering once or twice a week, depending on the weather.
Q: What kind of fertilizer should I use for peas?
A: Peas are moderate feeders. Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting time. You can also side-dress with compost or manure as needed.
Q: What are some common diseases that affect peas?
A: Common pea diseases include powdery mildew, downy mildew, and root rot. Good air circulation and proper watering help prevent these diseases.
Q: How long does it take for peas to mature?
A: The time it takes for peas to mature varies depending on the variety. Shelling peas typically mature in 60-80 days, while snap peas mature in 50-60 days.
