How to grow Peas

At a glance

🌱 Grow your Peas with GardenDex

• Reminders to water it, timed to your weather and whether it's in a pot
• Frost and disease alerts for your garden, the night before
• Follow it from seed to harvest, and see what your garden grew in $
• Point your camera at any plant or bug to identify it

🗓️ When to plant

Sow peas in early to mid-spring as soon as soil can be worked, or in late summer for autumn crops in mild climates. Plant before temperatures reach 21°C (70°F) for best results.

🌰 How to plant

1. Soak seeds for 1–2 hours before planting to speed germination.
2. Direct sow seeds 2–3 cm (1 in) deep into prepared soil.
3. Water gently after sowing and keep soil moist until seedlings emerge.
4. Install trellises or stakes early so climbing varieties have support as they grow.

💧 Care

• Water deeply and regularly, especially during flowering and pod development.
• Mulch around plants to retain moisture and keep roots cool.
• Pinch off shoot tips when seedlings are 10 cm (4 in) tall to encourage bushier growth.
• Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers; peas create their own nitrogen through root nodules.

🧺 Harvest

Pick pods when they are plump but still tender, usually 2–3 weeks after flowering; regular picking encourages more production. Harvest snow peas and sugar snaps when pods are young and flat for the sweetest flavour.

🐛 Common problems

Powdery mildew: Improve air circulation, water at the base of plants, and remove affected leaves immediately.

Aphids: Spray with a strong water stream to dislodge them, or use insecticidal soap if infestation is severe.

Pea weevils: Cover young plants with row cloth until flowering to prevent egg-laying, and remove any spotted pods.

Root rot (in wet soil): Ensure excellent drainage and avoid overwatering, especially in cool, damp conditions.

🤝 Companion plants

💚 Good neighbours: Carrots, Turnips, Radishes, Corn

⚠️ Keep apart from: Onions, Garlic

More vegetables guides