Peas are a versatile crop that can be grown in your home garden. Peas require little space and can be used to add nitrogen to the soil. They self-pollinate so you don’t have to worry about spacing them too far apart. Depending on the variety you choose, you can plant them between three to four inches apart and around 10 feet apart. To help them grow well, you can use a trellis or support poles.
Inoculant
Peas are one of the earliest crops to grow in spring gardens. Peas are tough and can tolerate cold soil. However, they must produce their pods before the summer heat sets in. There is an easy way to ensure a successful crop in just weeks: use an inoculant to grow peas.
Inoculants for growing peas will encourage nodules to form on your plants. These nodules will turn pink or red inside. If they are not present, then the rhizobia did not infect the pulse plant. The amount of nitrogen fixation decreases when the plant produces seeds and pods. Inoculation alone won’t help your plants, though. It is possible that the soil already has rhizobia. In this case, the inoculant won’t have any effect.
Sowing time
Peas need constant moisture to grow and thrive. If you grow them in a dry area, it may be necessary for them to be watered after they sprout. Place them in a compost-filled pot or in a gutter. To prevent birds from grabbing them, cover them with a net.
For best growth and harvest, peas should be planted in the early part of spring. Peas can also be planted in the middle of winter in cooler climates. In mild climates, peas can be planted later in the spring, but not too late. Peas mature in 60 days.
Harvesting time
When the pods are brown and rounded, they are ready to harvest their seeds. They are usually ready for harvest around a month after their first appearance. To harvest them, bring them indoors and place them upside-down in a dry, cool spot. Once the pods are ready, remove them from the plant and shell them by hand. If you’re harvesting a larger crop, you can use a burlap sack to thresh the pea pods.
Pea varieties vary in the time it takes to harvest, but most varieties mature within 60 to 70 days. It’s important to harvest peas at the right time to enjoy the flavor. After the peas reach their full maturity, their taste deteriorates. They will become dry and starchy, and their skins will become tough.
Diseases
Peas can be affected by a variety of diseases. The most severe is bacterial disease. It is a bacterial fungal disease that affects the pods and leaves of field peas. It can be controlled with disease-free seed and proper crop rotation. The disease can remain in the soil for many years. Seed treatment, crop rotation and the use of high-quality seed are some of the methods used to control the disease.
Pea root rot symptoms include small black spots and dark circular pits. The disease is most prevalent in cool, moist soils. This fungus can often kill young plants. The best way to prevent pea root rot is to avoid planting peas in the same spot every year. Avoid planting peas in soil that is too wet.
Pests
Peas are generally pest-free but they can be affected by some common insects. These insects include armyworms and cutworms that can cause havoc in your garden. Some pesticides are specifically labeled for peas, and can be used to control these pests. To deter pests, you can also use garlic and cayenne pepper.
Peas love moist, loamy soil with good drainage. They are not suited to soil that is too acidic. Moreover, they have shallow roots, which make them more susceptible to weeds. To prevent weeds growing, it is important to weed between rows. In addition, cutworms and aphids are common pests that damage plant stems and roots near the soil. However, these insects rarely cause damage to the pods.
Container growing
Peas should be planted in shallow soil with enough space between them when growing in containers. Plastic containers are a bad idea as they can hold heat and moisture, which can reduce pea plant yields. Peas grow best in loamy, well-draining potting soil. You can either buy a pea potting mixture or make your own. It is important to avoid using backyard soil, which introduces bacterial infections into the plants.
Peas don’t require as much fertilizer as other vegetables, but it is important to give them a little bit. A fertilizer with 5-5-5 NPK is a good all-round fertilizer. Pea plants need to be hydrated when they flower or pod.
Hi there! I’m Hans, and I’m the author of GardenerAZ. We’re here to help gardeners of all levels grow and thrive. Our content comprises expert advice, inspiring stories, and valuable tips to help you get the most out of your garden. Plus, our community is full of passionate gardeners who are always happy to share their knowledge and advice. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, GardenerAZ has everything you need to make your gardening dreams come true.
I’ve been gardening for as long as I can remember. It’s always been a passion of mine, and I love sharing my knowledge with others. When I’m not writing or gardening, I enjoy spending time with my wife and kids. They keep me busy (in a good way), but I always find time for my favorite hobby: gardening!
