What To Know
- Growing peas up netting is a fantastic way to maximize your garden space and enjoy a delicious harvest of sweet, tender peas.
- Whether you have a small balcony or a sprawling garden, this method offers a simple and rewarding way to grow peas.
- The type of netting you choose will depend on the size and weight of your pea plants.
Growing peas up netting is a fantastic way to maximize your garden space and enjoy a delicious harvest of sweet, tender peas. This technique allows the peas to climb vertically, taking advantage of unused air space and creating a beautiful, productive vertical garden. Whether you have a small balcony or a sprawling garden, this method offers a simple and rewarding way to grow peas.
Why Grow Peas Up Netting?
Growing peas vertically has numerous advantages:
- Space-Saving: Vertical gardening is perfect for small gardens or balconies, maximizing space by allowing plants to grow upwards instead of outwards.
- Improved Air Circulation: Vertical growth promotes better air circulation, reducing the risk of fungal diseases and pests.
- Easier Harvesting: The peas are easily accessible when they grow up netting, making harvesting a breeze.
- Aesthetic Appeal: A vertical pea trellis adds visual interest and beauty to your garden.
Choosing the Right Netting for Your Peas
The type of netting you choose will depend on the size and weight of your pea plants. Here are some popular options:
- Plastic Netting: Lightweight and affordable, plastic netting is a good choice for smaller pea varieties.
- Nylon Netting: Stronger and more durable than plastic netting, nylon netting is suitable for heavier pea varieties.
- Metal Trellis: Provides a sturdy support system for larger pea plants and can be reused year after year.
Preparing Your Garden Bed
Before you start planting your peas, prepare your garden bed:
- Choose a Sunny Spot: Peas need at least six hours of sunlight per day.
- Amend the Soil: Peas prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Add compost or manure to improve soil fertility.
- Dig a Trench: Dig a trench about 4 inches deep and 12 inches wide.
- Water Thoroughly: Water the trench thoroughly before planting your peas.
Planting Your Pea Seeds
Once your garden bed is prepped, it’s time to plant your seeds:
- Spacing: Space your pea seeds 2-3 inches apart in the trench.
- Depth: Plant the seeds 1-2 inches deep.
- Cover with Soil: Cover the seeds with soil and gently pat down.
- Water Regularly: Water your pea plants regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
Installing the Netting
Once your pea plants are a few inches tall, it’s time to install the netting:
- Placement: Place the netting directly behind the row of pea plants.
- Securing: Secure the netting to stakes or posts driven into the ground.
- Height: The netting should be at least 6 feet tall to accommodate the full growth of your pea plants.
Supporting Your Peas
As your pea plants grow, they will need some help to climb the netting:
- Training: Gently guide the tendrils of your pea plants to wrap around the netting.
- Tie-Off: Use twine or plant ties to secure the stems to the netting as they grow.
Caring for Your Pea Plants
Once your pea plants are established, they require minimal care:
- Watering: Water your pea plants regularly, especially during dry periods.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize your pea plants every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- Pest Control: Monitor your pea plants for pests and take action to control them if necessary.
Harvesting Your Delicious Peas
Your pea plants will start producing pods about 60-70 days after planting. Here’s how to harvest your peas:
- Harvesting Time: Pick the pods when they are young and plump, but before they become too large and tough.
- Picking Tips: Pinch or snap the pods off the plant at the stem.
- Enjoying Your Harvest: Enjoy your fresh peas right away or freeze them for later use.
Time to Enjoy Your Vertical Garden
Growing peas up netting is a rewarding and satisfying experience. You’ll be amazed at how much space you can save and how much delicious produce you can grow. Enjoy the process, and savor the sweet taste of your own homegrown peas!
Top Questions Asked
Q: Can I grow any type of pea up netting?
A: Most pea varieties can be grown up netting, but some varieties are better suited for vertical growth than others. Look for varieties that are described as “climbing” or “vining.”
Q: What if my pea plants don‘t climb the netting?
A: If your pea plants are not climbing the netting, you can gently guide the tendrils to wrap around the netting. You can also use twine or plant ties to secure the stems to the netting.
Q: How often should I harvest my peas?
A: You should harvest your peas every few days to encourage continued production. Pick the pods when they are young and plump, but before they become too large and tough.
Q: What should I do with my pea netting after the season is over?
A: You can reuse your pea netting for next year’s planting season. However, if it is damaged or worn out, you can dispose of it in your regular trash. You can also compost the netting if it is made of natural materials.
