Can peas be grown year-round?
Written by
Olivia Mitchell
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Another vegetable that can be grown year-round is the pea. This can be achieved by planting successively and capitalizing on our local climate variations. Persuaded by this experience, I keep them always on hand throughout the entire year. By using varieties suitable for the cool-weather season as a basis and then filling in with inventive substitutes, it is possible.
Mild Climate Approach
- Succession planting every 3 weeks in spring/fall
- Overwinter cold-hardy types like 'Mammoth Melting Sugar'
- Use frost cloth during temperature dips below 25°F (-4°C)
Cold Climate Solutions
- Hoop houses extend seasons by 6-8 weeks
- Insulated cold frames for winter harvests
- Grow lights for indoor production during deep freezes
Indoor Cultivation
- Full-spectrum LEDs for 14 hours daily
- Dwarf varieties like 'Tom Thumb' in containers
- Hand-pollination with soft brush during flowering
Plan on succession planting next [spring and summer]- sowing every 14-21 days (depending on the crop), over a suitable season, and thus overlapping the windows of harvests. I work to a garden calendar - it helps keep me on track too, as it allows me to note frost dates and soil temperatures, while also getting the timing right for relatively continuous production.
Prepare overwintering setups in late fall. Set up low tunnels over cold-tolerant crops before hard freezes set in. Insulate roots with straw mulch. During prolonged cold spells, I sometimes drape my double-layer row cover over top as well. Ventilate during sunny days to prevent overheating.
Indoor growing stations with proper lighting: Place LED grow lights 6 inches above plants; keep daytime temperatures 65-70°F (18-21°C). I use oscillating fans in mine for air movement. Pot containers must be at least ten inches deep for root development.
Monitor the microclimates of your protected spaces. Use thermometers in cold frames and hoop houses to monitor temperature. Because the covers reduce rainfall, check the soil moisture at least once a week. I record the high and low temperature numbers every day. Depending on those readings, I make adjustments to the ventilation in these small spaces to keep temperatures in the ideal range.
Transition plants through the seasons gradually; I usually acclimatise my seedlings to outdoor temperatures in seven days before moving them into the open. I gradually reduce the time of closing my lights and the time of closing, so that the young plants are completely prepared for transplanting into their shade. I "harden off" the plants by putting them outdoors for additional hours and days until they are accustomed to the open air.
Winter is challenging due to factors such as reduced pollination. Gently shaking the flowering plants daily helps distribute the pollen. A very light touch with a small brush can help pollinate if needed. I place bumblebee houses in enclosed spaces. Supplemental lighting helps deal with less daylight overall.
Read the full article: How to Grow Peas: A Complete Guide
