Planting Sweet Peas
Because peas are members of the legume family of plants, they can benefit from an application of a soil inoculant designed for beans and peas, prior to planting. The inoculant will enable the plants to take nitrogen from the air to use as fertilizer, which can increase crop yield and quality. See Preparing the Soil
Coat untreated seed with an inoculant.
For optimum flavor, grow in cool weather.
Do not thin as they grow much better in thick stands.
Sow in average soil in full sun in early spring for first crop, in late summer for fall crop.
Cover with 1 inch of fine soil, and sow 1 inch deep. See Planting Your Garden
Optimum soil temperature is 45-75° F
Seedlings emerge in 7-14 days, possibly longer in cooler soils.
Support shorter plants on small stakes or a pea fence. Taller plants can be supported with a tower or trellis net. Set supports for vining varieties prior to planting.
Thin gradually to stand 4-6 inches apart starting when seedlings are about 1-2 inches high.
Usual seed life: 2 years.
How to Grow Peas
Protect spring plantings with floating row covers to keep flea beetles away.
Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating. Avoid disturbing the soil around the plants when weeding.
Keep plants well watered during dry periods to promote rapid, uninterrupted growth. They do not perform well in overly wet conditions. Seeds can rot in wet soil before germination occurs when planted in early spring. See Water Conservation is Critical for Desert Vegetable Gardens
Monitor for pests and diseases. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Service for pest controls recommended for your area.
Apply 5-10 pounds of bone meal per 100 row feet to provide the nutrition necessary for optimum production.
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Harvest and Preserving Peas
To determine when to pick, check the pods by eye and feel. If the pod is round, has a nice sheen, and is bright green, it is ready. If the seeds have made ridges on the pod and the pods are dull green, it is past prime.
You can pick snap and snow peas at any time but they are tastiest when the pods still have some play around the peas when you squeeze the pods.
Pick snow peas before the peas start to enlarge.
If harvest exceeds immediate fresh use, you can freeze immediately after harvest to retain rich flavor. Blanch for two minutes in boiling water, drain, and then plunge into ice cold water for another two minutes. Drain again and loosely pack into plastic freezer bags or containers. Use within 9 months for best quality.
They may also be dried in a dehydrator and stored in a sealed canister for use in soups and stews.