How To Grow Organic Peas?

WHEN TO PLANT

In this article we’re going to share what we’ve learned about growing organic sugar peas and snap peas
You can start planting and growing peas as soon as the ground is workable and when soil temperature reaches a consistent 40°F
Pea plants can survive frost and temperatures in the lower 20’s except when emerging from soil and during bloom

In the spring, plant peas in full sun protected from strong winds
Later plantings will benefit from shade against afternoon sun
Planting next to taller plants, such as corn, can provide protection during the heat of the day
It is essential that pea roots be kept from over-heating
Applying 2” of mulch around the base of your pea plants will help keep the roots cool; as the weather begins to warm, mulch keeps your peas cooler and prolongs the harvest days
Bush varieties can be grown in containers; you’ll need to pay close attention to soil moisture levels and water the peas more frequently

Cool weather is not a concern for growing peas. Soil conditions, however, are
Preparing garden soil for peas should start in the fall by spading or tilling under plenty of leaves and other organic composted materials
When the wet fall and winter weather arrives, these organic materials will further decay
In spring you’ll have rich, loose soil that’ll aid your peas in developing strong roots and provide good drainage
Elevate rows (raised beds) for draining excess moisture and to retain heat, especially in cool early spring
Peas are in the legume family and therefore supply their own nitrogen
Too much nitrogen will produce beautiful, dense foliage but very few peas
The addition of manure is usually unnecessary

Peas germinate at soil temperatures as low as 40°F (approx. 36 days)
With soil temperatures at 60°F, germination will accelerate to 7-10 days
Presoak seeds in water for 24 hours to soften the hard seed coating
Drain water and spray with a seaweed emulsion
Finally coat seeds with an inoculant powder (contains nitrogen-fixing bacteria to promote stronger root systems) to promote nitrogen-fixing
Your seeds should remain usable for up to 3 years from the date you purchase them if stored in a cool, dry location

Not Recommended: Pea roots are delicate and usually won’t survive transplanting
Peas are also cold-hardy, so starting seedlings indoors isn’t necessary

Peas are prone to rot and susceptible to fungus attack
When planting untreated seeds (seeds not sprayed with fungicide – treated seeds have a pink coating), plant more seeds to cover any losses
Space your untreated seeds 1.5” apart (2” for treated seeds)
Plant early crops 2” deep in light soil, 1” in heavy soil
Increase seed depth 1-2 inches deeper as the weather warms up to keep seeds cooler to prolong your season
If you’re planting peas where legumes haven’t been planted before, treat pea seeds with an inoculant powder
After soaking, drain seeds and sprinkle a light coating of powder on top. Swirl around in bowl to lightly coat seeds. Plant immediately
Jenny’s Tip: Using a liquid organic leaf spray fertilizer once every two weeks is useful maintaining plant health and fruit flavor. We like Organic Garden Miracle™ which we’ve found helps our pea plants produce more and sweeter peas than anything else we’ve tried. The way it works is – it naturally stimulates any garden plant to convert all nutrient sources to plant sugar which is the basis of the size of the plant, quantity of blooms/fruit, and flavor/sugar content of your peas

Beneficial companions; interplant peas with spinach, lettuce, or radishes
Bad companions: The onion/garlic family
Rotation consideration: Follow peas with corn because of the nitrogen-fixing qualities of peas when tilled in after harvest

Pods are usually ready to pick three weeks after blossoming
Snow peas are harvested when the pods are flat and the peas are barely noticeable
Snap peas are more versatile; they can be harvested when the pod is young and flat or later once the peas are big and plump in the pod
Cut off pods with scissors rather than pull them. Pulling the pods can uproot the plant or shock the plant which stops production
Harvesting your pea crop daily stimulates pea plants to produce even more peas

For storage, freeze your peas within a few hours of harvest to preserve freshness
If peas are kept in the refrigerator more than one day, the sugar in your peas will turn to starch

Most problems with peas can be avoided by correct watering and keeping soil from water saturation
Powdery mildew can be an issue when the weather warms. Your plants will appear flocked; this white fungal coat will drain all nutrients out of the leaves
As a preventive, apply sulfur dust to the foliage early in the season
Aphids can cause mosaic virus in your peas which causes the plant to yellow and become stunted. Insecticidal soap is effective for this
Use insecticidal soap also for thrips, a tiny dark colored insect found on the underside of a leaf that distorts and eventually kills the leaf
The Pea Weevil, a tiny brown beetle with white spots will bore an opening in the blossom and lay eggs in the pods; eventually they will damage the pea. Crop rotation will help discourage this pest
If pests get out of control, use Pyrethrins, an organic substance derived from Chrysanthemums that is poisonous to pests

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