How to Grow Garden Peas
- 1). Turn you garden's soil and rake any large clumps to break them up. Add 2 to 3 inches of composted organic material plus a 16-16-8 fertilizer, following the manufacturer's directions for the size of your garden. Work these into the soil about 6 inches deep.
- 2). Create rows in your garden approximately 18 to 24 inches apart for bush-type pea plants. For climbers, create rows that are about 3 feet apart. Provide a fence, trellis or other structure for the peas to grow on.
- 3). Dig a furrow approximately 1 inch deep. Place the seeds within the furrow approximately 2 inches apart. Cover the seeds with soil. Water the seeds thoroughly so the soil is damp but not wet. Allow one to two weeks for the seeds to sprout.
- 4). Cultivate around the young plants to remove any weeds. Work carefully to avoid damaging the root systems of the young pea plants.
- 5). Water the plants regularly, keeping the soil moist. Watering is especially important during flowering to avoid drought stress.
- 6). Train the climbing varieties up the trellis or other structure, using twist ties as the pea plants become more established. For taller bush varieties, insert a thin, tall stake into the ground and tie the bush to the stake for support.
- 7). Harvest garden pea pods 18 to 21 days after flowering. Select pods that are plump. Shell the peas immediately for use or storage.
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