GROWING GUIDE - PEAS

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PEA PLANTING & CARE

Looking to grow beautiful, healthy peas in your garden? This guide covers planting, timing, watering, pest prevention, and harvesting so you can enjoy a long, productive pea season.

QUICK FACTS

  • Sun: Full sun to light shade
  • Soil: Well-drained soil enriched with compost is best
  • Planting: Sow as soon as soil can be worked in spring
  • Germination: 7–14 days (ideal soil temp: 10–20°C)
  • Harvest: Pick when pods are plump and bright green
  • Suitable for Canadian growing conditions
  • Follow package instructions for best results
  • Contact T&T Seeds for personalized growing advice

PLANTING

  • Sow peas directly outdoors in early spring.
  • Plant 1 in. deep early in the season; after mid-spring, sow about 2 in. deep if soil is drying quickly.
  • Space seeds 1–3 in. apart in rows. Thinning is usually not required.
  • Most varieties benefit from trellising for straighter plants, better airflow, and easier picking.
  • Optional: Use a seed inoculant to support nitrogen fixation and strong growth.

TIMING

Peas prefer cool weather. Plant as early as the soil can be worked in spring. For a fall crop, sow again in mid-to-late summer (success depends on local heat and timing before frost).

SOIL & WATERING

  • Use light, well-draining soil amended with compost.
  • Water deeply, then allow a slight dry-down between waterings—avoid waterlogged soil to reduce rot risk.
  • For root support, you may incorporate rock phosphate or Evolve Bone Meal (item #3261) at planting time.

FERTILIZING

Peas fix nitrogen naturally, so additional nitrogen is usually unnecessary. Too much nitrogen can encourage leafy growth with fewer pods.

HARVEST

Pick peas when pods are plump and bright green. Harvest often to encourage continued production. Multiple sowings or planting different varieties can help extend your harvest window.

STORAGE

Use peas as soon as possible for best sweetness. Refrigerate for short-term storage. For longer storage, blanch briefly and freeze.

DISEASES

Peas can be affected by blight, mildew, root rot, and wilt. Reduce risk by rotating crops, keeping the garden clean, watering at soil level, and avoiding working around plants when foliage is wet.

PESTS

Aphids can weaken plants and spread disease. Wash off with water or use an approved organic control such as Safer’s End-All (item #3380). Encourage beneficial insects and avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen.

READY TO START GROWING?

Browse our selection of high-quality pea seeds and get everything you need to start your garden today!

Shop now at T&T Seeds for the best selection of plants, seeds, and gardening supplies.

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