How to grow Peas from seed

Peas are a great plants to grow at home in a editable garden. 

Here are som of the reaons I like to grow them:

• Peas are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, along with fiber and protein, making them a healthy choice for any diet.
• As legumes, peas enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen, which benefits subsequent crops.
• They can be grown in small areas, including pots, making them ideal for urban gardening.

If you want a head start and want to protcet the young plats from garden pest like slugs, starting from seeds indoors can be a smart way to do it. If you rather want to plant the seeds directly in soil, you can skip the indoor starting part. You can find out when to plant in your area here:

Sugar Snap Pea US planting dates

Starting indoors

You can actually start growing with dried peas from the store,that you would cook and eat normally.

I have grown many trays of pea shoots microgreens this way.

But if you want to have better germination rates and stronger seeds, it is better to go for seeds from a seed company. This is a bit more expensive, but remember that you can use your own seeds after the first season. So by getting quality plants the first time, you will have free pea seeds ever after..

The Sow Right Seeds Sugar Snap Pea Seeds are a great choice for growing. These non-GMO, heirloom seeds produce tall, productive vines that thrive in full sun and yield plump pods in 50-65 days. They’re easy to grow, with instructions included, and work well in USDA zones 3-9.

Today, a packet costs $4.94 and is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 435 users. You can find the Sow Right Seeds Sugar Snap Pea Seeds at Amazon.

This is my typical procedure when growing from seed:

Tray seeding

Start by filling the cells of your growing tray with a seed-starting mix—a lightweight soil that provides the right conditions for seeds to sprout. Gently place one or two tomato seeds into each cell, pressing them about a quarter-inch deep into the soil.

Grow medium

I prefer compressed coco coir blocs for germinating seeds. Then I can have an easy to use grow medium ready at any time

Check Amazon here for latest prices.

I use these easy to use 12 Cell trays for germinating:

Right now you can get a 5 pack for $11.99 at Amazon, and you can check the latest prices and buy the trays here.

 After planting, lightly mist the soil with water using a spray bottle to avoid disturbing the seeds. Place the lid on the tray to maintain humidity, which speeds up germination.

Led grow lights are cost effective to use for lightning if your not able to use a windshell or grow outside in the summer.

LED Lighting from Bloom Lume

Transform your indoor garden with Bloom Lume’s full-spectrum LED lighs.They are designed to replicate natural sunlight and boost photosynthesis. The  lights come with a robust clamp and flexible gooseneck, allowing effortless adjustments.   You can effortlessly manage the setup with the Power button, toggling between tubes or using them solo. You can adjust brightness across 10 levels with the Dimmer button, and schedule light durations of 5, 10, or 15 hours using the Timer feature.

Order the Bloom Lume grow light at Amazon here

The time to plant out the seedlings in garden is in the spring when the risk of frost is gone.

You can check your your hardiness zone and learn more on when to start growing in the different zones by using this simple tool:Find the exact hardiness zone for your location by entering your zip code here:
 Get Zone

The Importance of Good Soil

Before starting to grow, it’s essential to assess the condition of the soil in your garden. The best soil is a blend of mineral-rich dirt and organic matter. In my garden, I compost as much as possible to enrich the soil with nutrients. I use both hot composting for food scraps and cold composting for organic garden waste.

If you don’t have the time or space to compost, you can purchase compost from Amazon, local garden centers or use community composting programs. Learn more about community composting here: Learn more about community composting here.

Where I live I get a large tax refund every year for composting may own organic waste. Due to this saving I was able to break even on the cost at only two year use. I recommend you to check with your local government if you can receive any tax refund.

Key Planting Techniques

To maximize your success with peas, follow these expert planting techniques:

• Plant the seeds or sedlings in a sunny spot in good soil.
• Choose well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.
• Plant the seeds or seedlings approximately so that the first pair of leves is right above the surface and 2 inches apart. Maintain a row spacing of about 7 inches to allow for growth.

Watering and Maintenance

• After planting, water the seeds thoroughly. Once established, monitor soil moisture and water only when necessary to prevent waterlogging.
• Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and suppress weeds, promoting healthier growth.

Identifying and Overcoming Challenges

While growing peas is generally straightforward, you may encounter some challenges:

• Pest Management: Watch for pests like aphids and snails. Use organic methods such as insecticidal soap or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs to control populations.
• Disease Prevention: Ensure good air circulation by spacing plants adequately. Rotate crops each year to minimize the risk of soil-borne diseases.

Harvesting 

They are ready to pick when the pods are plump and bright green. Gently pull the pods from the vine, taking care not to damage the plant.

Quick Reference Table

Aspect	Details
Optimal Temperature	55°F – 65°F
Planting Depth	1 inch
Seed Spacing	2 inches apart
Row Spacing	7 inches
Watering Frequency	As needed, avoid overwatering

 

Fertilization Tips

Peas generally require less fertilizer than many other crops, but providing the right nutrients can enhance growth:

• Soil Testing: Conduct a soil test to determine nutrient levels and pH. Peas prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0 to 7.0).
• Organic Fertilizers: Use compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil before planting. A balanced organic fertilizer can be applied during the growing season if needed.

Fertilizer

10-10-10 fertilizer is a powerhouse blend of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Nitrogen fuels lush, green foliage; phosphorus strengthens roots and blooms; while potassium boosts the plant’s vitality and resilience. This balanced mix ensures robust growth and thriving plants.

Check latest prices for the Triple 10 fertilizer on Amazon

Supporting Your Plants

Providing support for climbing varieties can significantly improve air circulation and ease harvesting:

• Trellising: Install trellises or stakes to support tall pea varieties. This not only helps the plants grow upright but also reduces the risk of disease.
• Spacing: Ensure adequate spacing between plants to promote airflow and reduce competition for nutrients.

See this for trellis inspiration:

8 Creative Trellis Ideas for Sweet Peas

Common Challenges and Solutions

Here are some common challenges you may face while growing peas, along with effective solutions:

Challenge	Solution
Pest Infestation	Use organic pest control methods, such as neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Seed Rot	Ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering.
Poor Germination	Check soil temperature and moisture levels before planting.
Weak Growth	Provide adequate support and ensure proper spacing between plants.

Q&A

What are the best companion plants ?

Companion planting can enhance the growth of your pea plants. Consider planting carrots, radishes, or cucumbers nearby. These plants can help deter pests and improve soil health, creating a more favorable environment for your peas.

How can I tell if my plants are getting too much or too little water?

They prefer well-drained soil. If the leaves start to yellow and drop, it may indicate overwatering. Conversely, if the plants appear wilted and the soil feels dry to the touch, they likely need more water. Regularly checking the moisture level will help maintain the right balance.

What are some common pests, and how can I manage them organically?

Pesky aphids and snails are the main pests. Combat these nuisances organically by unleashing ladybugs to feast on aphids or laying down copper tape as a snail deterrent.

Can I grow them  in containers, and if so, what size should I use?

Absolutely, you can thrive with container gardening! Pick a pot that’s at least 12 inches deep and wide for several plants. Make sure it drains well to avoid waterlogged roots.

What should I do if the plants start to yellow?

Yellowing leaves can indicate several issues, including nutrient deficiencies or overwatering. Check the soil moisture and consider applying a balanced organic fertilizer. If the problem persists, inspect for pests or diseases that could be affecting the plant.

More info on growing in garden:

Growing peas in the garden