Sweet, nutritious, easy-to-grow, nitrogen-fixing, perfect spring crop.

Peas are a delightful addition to any garden. They are nutrient-rich, providing a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and protein. Growing peas is relatively easy and rewarding. They thrive in cooler temperatures, making them one of the first crops you can plant in spring. Peas also improve soil health by fixing nitrogen, benefiting other plants. To harvest peas, pick the pods when they are plump and green, but before they become too mature. Hold the vine with one hand and gently pull the pod with the other to avoid damaging the plant. Freshly picked peas taste incredibly sweet and crisp, enhancing any meal.

Peas, scientifically known as Pisum sativum, have a fascinating history. They are one of the oldest cultivated crops, believed to have been domesticated around 11,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent. Wild peas were consumed by humans as far back as 23,000 years ago, and possibly even by Neanderthals around 46,000 years ago. The domestication process likely began in the Near East, with subsequent breeding leading to the diverse varieties we have today. Peas were introduced to the Americas by European settlers in the 16th century. They have since become a staple in global cuisines, valued for their nutritional benefits and versatility.

Types of Peas

English Peas (Shelling Peas)

• Description: These peas are grown for the seeds inside the pods, which are shelled before eating.
• Use: Often used in soups, stews, and as a side dish.
• Varieties: Green Arrow, Alaska, Little Marvel.

Snow Peas

• Description: These have flat, edible pods with small peas inside. The entire pod is eaten.
• Use: Common in stir-fries and salads.
• Varieties: Oregon Sugar Pod, Dwarf Grey Sugar, Mangetout Corne de Beleir.

Sugar Snap Peas

• Description: A hybrid of English and snow peas, these have plump, edible pods that are sweet and crunchy.
• Use: Eaten raw, or used in stir-fries and salads.
• Varieties: Cascadia, Sugar Ann, Sugar Snap.

Each type of pea offers a different texture and flavor, making them versatile additions to your garden and kitchen.

Top Producing Varieties of Each Type of Pea

English Peas (Shelling Peas)

• Alaska: An early variety that’s perfect for short growing seasons.
• Avola: Cold-hardy and early maturing, ideal for compact spaces.
• Little Marvel: A classic garden pea that’s easy to grow and produces sweet, flavorful peas.

Snow Peas

• Oregon Sugar Pod: Known for its crunchy texture and sweet flavor.
• Dwarf Grey Sugar: Produces abundant peas and doesn’t grow too tall.

Sugar Snap Peas

• Cascadia: Disease-resistant and produces a large crop of sweet, crunchy peas.
• Sugar Ann: An early producer with sweet, tender pods.

These varieties are well-suited to the cooler climate of northern gardens and can help you achieve a bountiful harvest.

Soil Preparation for Peas

1. Soil Testing: Begin with a soil test to determine pH and nutrient levels. Peas prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.
2. Add Organic Matter: Incorporate well-rotted compost or aged manure into the soil to enrich it and improve drainage. Peas thrive in loose, well-drained soil.
3. Till the Soil: Loosen the soil to a depth of 8-12 inches to encourage root growth and ensure proper drainage.
4. Fertilization: Peas are light feeders, so they don’t require heavy fertilization. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of pods.

Growing Peas

1. Planting Time: Plant peas as early as possible in the spring, about 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date. Peas prefer cooler temperatures.
2. Seed Spacing: Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart in rows that are 18-24 inches apart. This spacing allows for adequate air circulation and reduces the risk of disease.
3. Support: Install trellises or stakes for vining varieties to climb. This helps keep the plants off the ground and makes harvesting easier.
4. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall and soil type.
5. Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
6. Pest Control: Monitor for pests like aphids and pea weevils. Use organic methods such as insecticidal soap or beneficial insects to control infestations.
7. Harvesting: Harvest peas when the pods are plump but still tender. For shelling peas, wait until the seeds inside are fully developed. For snow and sugar snap peas, pick when the pods are flat and edible.

Cooking with Peas