Why and How to Grow: Peas in Your Garden

Vera Reinke
Apr 10
2 min read

Peas are one of the best early-season vegetables to grow in your garden. They're easy to cultivate, thrive in cool weather, and produce a delicious harvest that can be eaten fresh, cooked, or frozen for later use. Peas help improve soil health by fixing nitrogen, making them a great companion plant for future crops.

Peas are the perfect choice if you're looking for a low-maintenance, rewarding vegetable to grow.

Why Grow Peas?

Delicious and Nutritious: Peas are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, fiber, and plant-based protein.
Early Harvest: Peas thrive in cool weather and are one of the season's first crops.
Low Maintenance: Peas require minimal care once established and don't need much fertilization.
Great for Small Spaces: Many varieties grow vertically, ideal for compact gardens and containers.
Improves Soil Health: As a legume, peas naturally fix nitrogen in the soil, reducing the need for added fertilizers.

Types of Peas to Grow

Sugar Snap Peas: Crisp and sweet, these peas can be eaten whole, pod and all.
Snow Peas: Tender and flat, great for stir-fries and fresh snacking.
Shelling Peas (Garden Peas): These need to be shelled before eating, but they have a rich, classic pea flavor.

How to Grow Peas:

1. When to Plant Peas Peas love cool weather and should be planted early in the season.

Spring Planting: Sow seeds 4–6 weeks before the last frost, as soon as the soil is workable.
Fall Planting: In cooler regions, peas can also be planted in late summer for a fall harvest.

2. Where to Plant Peas

Sunlight: Peas grow best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Soil: Well-draining, loose soil with plenty of compost is ideal. Avoid heavy clay soils, which can hold too much moisture.

3. How to Plant Peas

Direct Sowing: Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart in rows spaced 12 inches apart.
Trellising: While bush varieties don't need support, climbing peas grow best on a trellis, fence, or stakes.

4. Caring for Pea Plants

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Peas don't like dry conditions.
Fertilizing: Peas fix their nitrogen, so they don't need much fertilizer. Too much nitrogen will lead to leafy growth instead of peas.
Weeding: Keep weeds under control, but be careful not to disturb the shallow roots.

5. Harvesting Peas

Sugar Snap & Snow Peas: Pick when pods are plump but still tender. The more you harvest, the more they produce!
Shelling Peas: Harvest when pods are fully filled but before they harden.
Storing Peas: Fresh peas are best eaten right away, but they can be stored in the fridge for a few days or blanched and frozen for long-term storage.

Tips for Success

Succession Planting: Sow seeds every few weeks for a longer harvest.

Mulch Around Plants: Helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pick Regularly: Frequent harvesting encourages more pea production.

Start Growing Peas Today!

Peas are a simple, rewarding crop that can be enjoyed fresh from the garden, tossed in salads, or cooked in your favorite dishes. They can grow vertically and improve soil health, making them a must-have for any garden.

Are you growing peas this season? Let me know your favorite variety in the comments!