What are common mistakes when growing peas?
Written by
Olivia Mitchell
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.To grow peas successfully, one must avoid one or two mistakes which beginners are apt to make. Sowing in warm soil at the last possible date is pernicious to the peas! The effect of too much fertiliser is foliage instead of peas! These have been some of the pitiful mistakes which I have put right with half a dozen seeds.
Planting Mistakes
- Warm soil planting causes <10% germination
- Solution: Plant when soil is 40-60°F (4-15°C)
- Shallow sowing exposes seeds to birds
Nutrition Errors
- Excess nitrogen reduces pod production
- Solution: Use compost instead of fertilizers
- Avoid planting after nitrogen-fixing crops
Structural Issues
- Insufficient support causes disease spread
- Solution: Install trellises before germination
- Use sturdy materials for vining varieties
Avoid spacing errors that promote fungal diseases. Plant seeds 2 to 3 inches apart in rows 18 inches wide. Crowded plants don't get proper air circulation or enough sunlight. I carry a tape measure with me to keep spacing on target. Seedlings, in their early days of life, need their roots to be undisturbed.
Don't water incorrectly. Water directly onto the soil, not onto the foliage, which can promote mildew. Water consistently without soaking. I use surface-level drip irrigation on timers to provide generally even watering for my plants. Always ensure the soil is receiving moisture at the root level.
Correct harvest timing mistakes. I pick snow peas when the pods are flat and bright green. I harvest snap peas when they're well-rounded but before the peas in the pod start to bulge. Shelling peas are harvested when the pods feel full. I taste test every day to determine the peak of sweetness and texture.
Correctly balance nutrients in your soil. Typically, yellow leaves indicate a lack of nitrogen in the plant. If your plant has purple stems, it indicates that there isn't enough phosphorus. Be sure to apply compost tea instead of synthetic fertilizer. I have soil tests done every other year as a means of keeping my nutrient balance.
Ensure you use crop rotation to avoid the build-up of disease in your garden bed. Avoid planting the same crop in the same area for at least 2 consecutive seasons. After every crop rotation, follow the heavy feeders (such as corn and tomatoes). Use a gardening diary or map to help keep track of where you have planted different crops in previous seasons.
Install proper supports before planting, especially for vining (non-bush) types, which will require a trellis from the start. A small cage keeps bush types from falling on the ground. I use biodegradable twine that decays along with everything else before the season's out. Check the support at least weekly to ensure stability as the structure grows.
Read the full article: How to Grow Peas: A Complete Guide
