Growing Peas
Quick Tips on Growing Peas
If you want to plant a delicious vegetable, try growing peas. They do well in areas with cooler climates, even to the extent that when the air temperatures go above seventy Fahrenheit, they usually stop pod-producing.
Peas are legumes, and they pull nitrogen out of the air and store it within their roots. When your peas are harvested for the last time, you can till the roots within the soil, so they can decompose slowly. In this way, they will release nitrogen that is beneficial to other plants.
Peas are an annual plant, somewhat hardy, that prefer partial shade or sun, and an area for growth that is not buffeted by high winds. Growing peas do their best in soil that is well-turned and that retains water. Make sure you don't add any nitrogen for peas, since they gather their own from the air around them.
If you've never planted peas, how will you know when they'll be ready for harvest? A simple rule of thumb is twelve weeks for the earliest varieties, fourteen weeks for the second earliest, and fifteen weeks for main crop varieties.
Peas are an excellent example of plants grown fresh versus those purchased in stores. You will find that fresh peas have more food value, texture and taste. Growing peas will add some healthy legumes to your family's diet.
Peas will actually grow in almost any soil type, but their preference is a medium soil, well-tilled and with a good amount of organic matter added. A soil that is too rich for them will cause your growing peas to sprout many leaves but fewer peas. The pea likes moisture, so be sure to plant it well away from fences and walls.
If you have the option, a sunny planting area works the best for growing peas, but they will also grow in partial shade, particularly if the shade occurs at midday when the sun is hottest. Maincrop peas, which are the highest producers, are tall plants that may be damaged if planted in an area with high winds.
Sow two varieties over the period of four weeks, and you can harvest from the middle of June through the middle of September. The early and second early types should be sown between March and June, and maincrop peas sown from March through July.
Snap peas are a popular variety, and should be planted at about the same time as maincrop peas. It's best to till in December of the year before you will be planting, and dig a shovel's length into the soil, introducing organic material if the soil doesn't have any of its own. Peat is good for growing peas, and bonemeal is also beneficial. Work these into the soil the same time you prepare it, so the organic materials will have time to work their way into the soil.
Growing peas is a healthy family activity that leaves you with lots of vegetables for eating and canning.