What To Know
- The RHS recommends choosing varieties based on your desired harvest time, whether you prefer shelling peas or snap peas, and the height of the plant.
- If you live in a mild climate, you can sow a second crop of peas in late summer or early fall.
- The RHS recommends sowing the seeds in September for a harvest in October or November.
Growing your own peas is a rewarding experience, offering fresh, sweet, and nutritious pods straight from your garden. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) provides invaluable guidance on cultivating these delightful legumes, and this blog post will delve into the essential steps for growing peas the RHS way.
Choosing the Right Pea Variety
The first step in your pea-growing journey is selecting the right variety. The RHS recommends choosing varieties based on your desired harvest time, whether you prefer shelling peas or snap peas, and the height of the plant. Here are some of the RHS’s top picks:
- Early Varieties: For quick harvests, ‘Aquadulce Claudia’ and ‘Hurlingham’ are excellent choices.
- Maincrop Varieties: ‘Alderman’ and ‘Greenfeast’ offer a longer season of delicious peas.
- Dwarf Varieties: ‘Wando’ and ‘Sugar Snap’ are great for smaller gardens or containers.
- Tall Varieties: ‘Meteor’ and ‘William Massey’ are perfect for trellises or fences.
Sowing Your Pea Seeds
Once you’ve chosen your pea variety, it’s time to sow the seeds. The RHS recommends sowing peas directly into the ground, as they don’t transplant well. Follow these steps for successful sowing:
1. Prepare the Soil: Peas prefer well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Dig over the soil to a depth of about 12 inches and incorporate some well-rotted compost or manure.
2. Sow the Seeds: Sow your seeds in rows spaced 12 inches apart. For dwarf varieties, sow the seeds 1 inch deep. For taller varieties, sow them 2 inches deep.
3. Water Thoroughly: Water the seeds well after sowing. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
4. Protect from Pests: Birds love peas, so cover the rows with netting to protect them.
Providing Support for Your Peas
Most pea varieties need support to grow upright. The RHS suggests using pea sticks, netting, or trellises. Here’s how to provide support:
1. Insert Pea Sticks: Place pea sticks along the rows, approximately 4 feet tall.
2. Use Netting: Stretch netting over the rows, providing a supportive framework for the vines.
3. Create a Trellis: Construct a trellis using wooden stakes and twine, creating a vertical structure for the peas to climb.
Caring for Your Pea Plants
Once your peas have sprouted, they require regular care to thrive. The RHS recommends the following:
1. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
2. Fertilizing: If your soil is poor, you can fertilize your peas every few weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
3. Weeding: Keep the area around your pea plants weed-free to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
4. Pest Control: Keep an eye out for pests like aphids and slugs. Use organic pest control methods like insecticidal soap or diatomaceous earth to manage infestations.
Harvesting Your Delicious Peas
The time to harvest your peas depends on the variety you’ve chosen. Early varieties are ready to pick within 60 days of sowing, while maincrop varieties may take up to 80 days.
The RHS recommends harvesting your peas when the pods are plump and full. You can tell if they’re ready by gently squeezing them. If they feel firm and round, they’re ready to pick.
Enjoying Your Freshly Harvested Peas
Once you’ve harvested your peas, it’s time to enjoy them! You can eat them fresh, freeze them for later use, or use them in a variety of dishes.
Here are some ideas for using your freshly harvested peas:
- Pea Salad: Combine your peas with other spring vegetables like lettuce, radishes, and cucumbers for a refreshing salad.
- Pea Soup: Make a creamy pea soup with your peas, potatoes, and onions.
- Pea and Mint Risotto: Add your peas to a classic risotto for a flavorful and healthy dinner.
- Pea Fritters: Make delicious pea fritters with your peas, flour, and herbs.
Planting Peas for a Second Crop
If you live in a mild climate, you can sow a second crop of peas in late summer or early fall. The RHS recommends sowing the seeds in September for a harvest in October or November.
Beyond the Harvest: Preparing for Next Year
Once your pea plants have finished producing, it’s time to prepare for next year’s crop. The RHS recommends the following:
1. Clear the Area: Remove the old pea plants and any remaining debris.
2. Improve the Soil: Incorporate some well-rotted compost or manure into the soil to improve its fertility.
3. Rotate Crops: Avoid planting peas in the same spot for two years in a row. Rotate your crops to help prevent diseases and pests.
Growing Peas: A Rewarding Journey
Growing your own peas is a rewarding experience that can provide you with fresh, delicious, and nutritious pods throughout the growing season. By following the RHS’s guidance, you can ensure a successful harvest and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Basics You Wanted To Know
1. What is the best time to sow peas?
The best time to sow peas is in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. You can also sow a second crop in late summer or early fall in mild climates.
2. How often should I water my pea plants?
Water your pea plants deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. The frequency will depend on the weather and the type of soil you have.
3. What are some common pests that attack pea plants?
Common pests that attack pea plants include aphids, slugs, and pea weevils. You can use organic pest control methods to manage infestations.
4. Can I grow peas in containers?
Yes, you can grow peas in containers. Choose dwarf varieties and use a container that is at least 12 inches deep and wide.
5. What should I do with my pea plants after they’ve finished producing?
Once your pea plants have finished producing, remove them and any remaining debris. Incorporate some well-rotted compost or manure into the soil to improve its fertility. Then, rotate your crops to help prevent diseases and pests.
