Peas seeds
Although peas can be started indoors in peat pots for transplanting, they really don’t make the transition well. Choose a sunny, well-drained spot. Use a hoe or spade to make a shallow trench, roughly 8 inches (20 cm) wide and 1 inch (2,5 cm) deep. Sow peas in two parallel lines, spacing the seeds about 4 inches (10 cm) apart. Cover the seeds with soil, water well. The seedlings should appear in one or two weeks.
Peas are weak-stemmed vining annuals with leaf-like stipules, leaves with one to three pairs of leaflets, and tendrils used for climbing. Peas grow 6 to 10 peas or seeds in a pod. Seeds are either smooth or wrinkled depending on the variety. Garden, English, and snap peas are grown for the maturing seeds in the pods. These are harvested when pods are 4 to 6 inches long and pods are bulging but before the pods begin to dry. Sugar and snow peas are grown for their edible pods. Grow peas in rich, loamy soil that is well-drained. Peas will produce earlier if planted in sandy soil. Plant peas in full sun or partial shade. Peas prefer a soil pH of 5.5 to 6.8. Grow peas supported by poles, a trellis, or fence. Peas are a cool-season crop that must mature before the weather gets warm. The ideal growing temperature for peas is 55°F to 70°F. Sow peas in the garden 6 weeks before the average last frost date in spring or as soon as the soil can be worked. Sow pea supported by a trellis, netting, or wire or string supports between two poles for bush varieties. Peas will grow in a container at least 8 inches deep. Keep the soil evenly moist. Do not allow the soil to dry out. Avoid getting plants wet when they are flowering or the crop may be reduced. Provide a trellis or pole to support the pea vines. Peas can be grown without support; however, they will grow and produce much better with support. Cultivate gently to avoid harming the fragile roots. Peas will be ready for harvest 55 to 80 days from sowing. Pick shelling peas when the pods are bulging and green before peas start to harden. Young peas will be tastier than older ones. The sugar in peas will begin converting to starch as soon as peas are picked. To slow the process, chill the peas in their pods as they are picked and shell them immediately before cooking. Peas will keep in the refrigerator unshelled for up to one week. Peas can be frozen, canned, or dried. Dried peas will keep in a cool, dry place for up to 12 months. Edible-pod peas will keep in the refrigerator for 7 to 10 days in a plastic bag. Edible pod peas can be frozen and will lose little flavor.
