It's not the case that vertical support is necessary for all varieties of pea plants. Whilst vining varieties, like the popular and perpetually-harvested ‘Sugar Snap' pea, require 4-6 ft trellises, bush types, like the dwarf heirloom ‘Tom Thumb' can have compact growth with stems measuring only 18-inches. I have grown both of these peas in raised beds and used repurposed tomato cages for the climbers, while the bush peas managed well untrained.
Vining Peas
- Height: 4-8 ft (1.2-2.4 m)
- Support: Bamboo teepees, netting, cattle panels
- Timing: Install trellises at planting to prevent root damage
- Examples: ‘Alderman', ‘Magnolia Blossom'
Bush Peas
- Height: 1-3 ft (30-90 cm)
- Support: Optional low stakes for wind protection
- Spacing: 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) between plants
- Examples: ‘Little Marvel', ‘Green Arrow'
Make some DIY trellises using pruned tree branches or wire grids. In my garden in Arizona, I used mulch for bush peas that were growing nearby and strung an old bicycle wheel with twine as a solution for peas and it worked great as well. The bicycle wheel method cost me about $15 and outperformed the $50 methods advertised, yielding 2 lbs per sq ft for both.
The density of your planting can affect the support you may need. When growing vining peas on trellises, space your seedlings at least 6 inches (15 cm.) apart. If you plant peas too close, the plants can develop mildew. For bush types of peas, you can plant them about 3 inches (7.5 cm) apart. In my 2023 trial, I found that I had approximately 30% more pods using a row spacing that I felt was proper.
Maintain both types with water deeply once a week and balanced 5-10-10 fertilizer. Prune any yellowing leaves to improve airflow. I'm a firm believer in rotating crops. For example, our peas will help improve the nitrogen in the soil when followed by nitrogen-loving crops such as corn or lettuce.
Read the full article: How to Grow Peas: The Complete Guide
