By Scott Eckert, County Extension Agent, Horticulture
Pass the peas please! We plant peas in our garden and when harvest time comes around many of them don’t make it into the house because we eat them as we pick them! Peas are one of the most cold tolerant plants grown in Kansas gardens. They can be planted about as early as soil can be prepared in the spring. Most varieties produce pods and the seeds need to be shelled. Several newer varieties produce thick fleshy pods and the pods as well as the seeds can be eaten. In addition, some thin-podded oriental types produce tender pods with only the pods used.
Varieties
Many varieties are available and standard varieties include Little Marvel, Green Arrow, Frosty, Knight, Sparkle, and Burpeeana. Edible-podded types include Sugar Ann, Sugar Bon, and Sugar Snap. Oriental thin-podded types, often called snow peas, include Dwarf Grey Sugar and Mammoth Sugar. I think snow peas are my favorite!
When to plant
Plant seed in early to mid-March when soil is dry enough to work. Peas will germinate when soil conditions are favorable. Peas are not well adapted for fall gardens because seed usually fails to germinate well in warm soil.
Spacing
Plant seed 2-4 inches apart with rows 12 inches apart. Peas usually do best where 2-3 rows can be planted 4-6 inches apart to allow the weak spindly vines to support each other.
Care
Peas prefer cool soil and need water during stress periods. They grow best in moderate to well-fertilized soil. A trellis may be needed to support the flimsy vines; short wire mesh or string trellis works well.
Harvesting
When the pods are swollen so that seeds within are full sized but tender, pick and shell the peas from the pods. Edible-podded types should be picked and used immediately after harvest as they tend to dry out readily. Harvest oriental types when the pods are crisp and tender but before the seeds begin to enlarge significantly. Store peas in a refrigerator in a plastic bag for up to a week. Peas are easily frozen for later use.
