Peas Growing Guide
Want to say goodbye to frozen peas? Growing your own peas is surprisingly low maintenance so they're perfect to plant with children of all ages. Take your pick from planting peas of the snow, sugar snap, and garden varieties and savour their earthy-but-sweet taste at your dinner table.
Introduction
Want to say goodbye to frozen peas? Growing your own peas is low maintenance and perfect for planting with children. Choose from snow, sugar snap, and garden varieties and enjoy their earthy-sweet taste at your dinner table. Peas are highly nutritious, containing heart-friendly minerals and vitamins. Read on to learn how simple it is to grow peas from seed.
When to plant peas
Sow peas directly into the soil between March and early July. You can also plant in autumn or winter, though frost may cause losses—starting them in a polytunnel can help. Most varieties mature in 60–70 days. For outdoor planting, wait until the soil has thawed and is workable.
How to plant and grow peas
Peas thrive in sunny spots with well-draining soil. They need minimal fertilising; adding compost before planting is usually sufficient. Decide whether to sow directly in the ground or start seedlings indoors to protect them from pests and harsh weather.
Sowing peas outdoors
- Prepare soil by removing stones and weeds, adding organic matter such as compost or manure.
- Dig a flat-bottom trench about 22cm wide and 3cm deep.
- Sow seeds in two parallel lines, 10cm apart. For vining peas, plant near a trellis or support.
- Cover with soil, firm lightly, and water well.
Growing peas in pots indoors
- Use a well-draining potting mix. Sow peas 5cm apart in small containers and keep soil moist.
- When shoots reach 5cm, transfer to larger pots and add supports like sticks or wire.
- Pinch tops when shoots reach 15cm to encourage branching and flowering.
- Flowers indicate pods will soon form, ready for harvest in a few days.
How to support peas when growing
Most peas, except dwarfs, need support to grow upright. Use trellises, bamboo sticks, wire mesh, or stakes with twine to guide growth. Pea plants can reach 3–6ft, so supporting them keeps pods off the ground and easier to pick. Netting or twigs can protect smaller varieties from pests.
Common problems with growing peas
While low maintenance, pea plants may face some issues:
- Powdery mildew: White coating on leaves, reduces growth and pod production. Remove affected leaves and spray with diluted apple cider vinegar. Remove plants if severely infected.
- Aphids: Suck sap, causing yellowed or deformed leaves. Spray with neem oil or mild soap solution. Introduce ladybugs as natural predators.
- Pea streak virus: Dark streaks on stems, causes malformed peas. Prevent by controlling aphids using reflective mulches and other aphid deterrents.
How to harvest peas
Peas are usually ready 60–70 days after sowing. Harvest pods from the bottom up using two hands. Expect a one- to two-week harvesting window, with possible additional picking as new pods mature. For best flavour, use immediately or store in the fridge or freezer.
Start growing garden peas in a polytunnel
UK weather can be unpredictable, putting crops at risk. A polytunnel provides warmth and protection. Browse our range of polytunnels to find the right size. Check our blog for tips on polytunnels and growing techniques. Contact us at 01282 811250 or info@premierpolytunnels.co.uk for support.
