Peas
Peas are a cool-season crop that do well in cool humid weather. They grow as bushes or vines. The vines can grow up to 6 feet in height, so make sure you have fencing or some form of trellis for them to climb. "Mammoth Melting Sugar Peas" are snow peas used in salads, stir fry, or casseroles. "Sugar Snap" peas are not shelled, but stringed and snapped like green beans. "Alderman", "Green Arrow", and "Blue Bantam" are great varieties, shell them to use in recipes that call for frozen peas. Freshly picked peas are a delicious treat, tasting nothing like the frozen peas from the store.
Growing Peas
Peas can be planted in both spring and fall. For spring, sow seeds 4-6 weeks before the last frost and for fall planting, sow seeds 12-weeks before the first expected frost. Peas need full sun with air temperature of 55-75 degrees. They like fast draining soil. Peas only need 1/2-inch to 1-inch of water per week. Plant seeds directly in the soil about 1-2 inches deep and 6 inches inches apart. Make sure vine varieties have a trellis or fence to climb. Since peas like cool weather, they do not do well in green houses. Some varieties such as "Little Marvel", SugarBon", and "Laxton's Progress" can be grown in containers.
Harvesting Peas
Harvest peas when pods are still bright green but full. Picking ripe pods increases production. It's best to pick peas from the bottom up. The harvest time usually lasts 1-2 weeks. Peas taste best when used right away, however, they can be store in plastic bags in the refrigerator for 2-4 weeks. Freeze peas for longer storage.
Pests and Diseases
Nutrients in Peas
Peas can be planted in both spring and fall. For spring, sow seeds 4-6 weeks before the last frost and for fall planting, sow seeds 12-weeks before the first expected frost. Peas need full sun with air temperature of 55-75 degrees. They like fast draining soil. Peas only need 1/2-inch to 1-inch of water per week. Plant seeds directly in the soil about 1-2 inches deep and 6 inches inches apart. Make sure vine varieties have a trellis or fence to climb. Since peas like cool weather, they do not do well in green houses. Some varieties such as "Little Marvel", SugarBon", and "Laxton's Progress" can be grown in containers.
Harvesting Peas
Harvest peas when pods are still bright green but full. Picking ripe pods increases production. It's best to pick peas from the bottom up. The harvest time usually lasts 1-2 weeks. Peas taste best when used right away, however, they can be store in plastic bags in the refrigerator for 2-4 weeks. Freeze peas for longer storage.
Pests and Diseases
- Aphids are present if the foliage curls, puckers and turns yellow. Spray the undersides of leaves in the early morning with water to remove the aphids.
- Weevils are most likely to blame if the blossoms have holes in them. They come out at night to feed.
- Powdery Mildew is present when your pods and leaves have a white powdery mold on them. Remove the infected parts of the plant and make sure you disinfect your pruning shears with a bleach/water solution. Water the plants from the bottom is recommended.
- Root Rot causes the lower part of the stems to turn black. Remove the infected plants to prevent the disease from spreading.
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Nutrients in Peas
- Fiber
- Protein
- Vitamins A, B6, C, K
- Thiamin
- Niacin
- Folate
- Iron
- Phosphorus
- Copper
- Manganese
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