Peas Growing Guide
Peas (Pisum sativum) are an easy-to-grow crop, producing sweet and delicious pods. They come in shelling (garden peas), mangetout, and sugarsnap varieties, with plants ranging from dwarf (45cm) to tall (1.8m). Young pea shoots are also edible and can be added to salads. If sown in batches, harvests can be continuous throughout summer.
This guidance applies to the crop in general. Individual varieties and local conditions can differ.
Planting information
Sow seeds from early spring to early summer (March to June outdoors) or anytime indoors for pea shoots. Outdoors, wait until soil reaches approximately 10°C. For taller varieties, sow seeds 7.5cm apart in single or double rows with 30cm between them. For shorter varieties, sow in a triple row in a flat-bottomed trench 5cm deep and 15cm wide, staggering seeds 7.5cm apart. Cover with soil, firm, and water. For indoor sowing, plant 1-3 seeds per pot/tube about 5cm deep. Alternatively, sow 7.5cm apart in a double row in guttering. For pea shoots, sow 2.5cm deep and 2.5cm apart indoors. Sow in batches every few weeks for continuous harvests. Plant indoor-raised or bought plants outdoors from March onwards once they are about 20cm tall, after hardening off. Water thoroughly, then plant about 7.5cm apart, taking care not to disturb roots. Firm gently and water well. Arrange shorter varieties in a triple row, and taller varieties in either a single row or in a double row with 30cm between them, allowing space for supports. If planting additional sets of rows, space them at a distance equal to the expected height of the plants. For guttering-grown plants, slide the compost and plants into a shallow trench. Put supports in place at planting time: netting or chicken wire on posts/canes for taller varieties, twiggy sticks for shorter ones. For containers (at least 45cm wide), space plants 7.5cm apart.
Harvesting information
Harvest from June through to October by picking regularly; otherwise, plants will stop producing pods. Shelling peas are ready when pods are well filled. Mangetout and sugarsnap peas should be picked when pods are about 7.5cm long and peas are just starting to develop. Pods develop lower down first, so work your way up when picking. Pea shoots can be harvested from the tips of young plants or specific shoot crops when 10-15cm tall. Cutting stems about 2.5cm from the base may yield a second harvest. Once harvesting is finished, cut plants down to the base and compost, but leave roots in the ground to boost soil nitrogen.
Storage information
Freeze any excess harvested peas to maximise shelf life.