How often should I water pea plants?

Watering pea plants can be somewhat of a tricky proposition, trying to give them moisture while making sure not to keep the roots waterlogged. To be on the conservative side, give them 1 inch (2.5 cm) weekly with a drip irrigation system or soaker hose. My Zone 6 garden has put out hefty pods using this method, but overhead watering led to some fungal problems! I check the dryness level at a 2 inch (5 cm) depth before going ahead and watering.

Controlling drainage is a way to prevent root rot. Using a mix of clay soil I keep on improving with amendments - 40% compost, 30% coarse sand, and 30% native soil - has helped me cut down on watering by approximately 25%. You can tell how dry the soil is by sticking your finger into the topsoil to the second knuckle. If the soil sticks to your finger, don't water. If the soil is cracked, it is urgent you water it.

Heatwave response requires vigilance. These hot spells exceeding 90°F (32°C) are when you want to water at dawn and dusk. One time, I saved a crop with a temporary shade cloth and cooled the soil by 15°F (8°C). Mulch with straw to keep nighttime moisture in the soil without 'suffocating' your stems.

Container peas have shorter drying times than garden beds. I check my 5-gallon buckets every day. You can check if they are heavy - if they are, they only have enough water for the day. Also, be sure to have some saucers under the pots to catch any runoff, and they will absorb back into the soil before you know it - in some cases in a matter of hours. Terra cotta pots lose moisture way faster than plastic pots.

Read the full article: How to Grow Peas: The Complete Guide