Released: February 19, 2003

Time is Near For Planting Peas

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Fresh peas from the home vegetable garden can add variety and nutrition to family meals.

"Peas are often the earliest bird, because this crop can go in the garden as soon as the soil becomes workable," said Chuck Marr, Kansas State University Research and Extension gardening specialist. "With some crops, you’re not only planting, but also beginning to harvest in early spring."

Fresh peas planted in early spring are usually ready for harvest by June 10, depending on temperatures, and may be harvested for up to two weeks. The vegetables can be prepared directly from the garden, or they can be frozen, canned or dried for later use.

Types of Peas - Peas are grown for either their edible seeds or pods. Most varieties produce pods with seeds that require shelling, however, some varieties produce thick fleshy pods to eat with the seeds.

Often called snow peas, the thin-podded oriental types are used only for their tender pods. When small and tender, these peas can be eaten raw in salads. For cooking, shell them just before using and cook immediately.

Marr listed the following varieties Kansans most often plant early in the growing season, based on K-State research trials with the best odds for success in the state.

Good standard varieties include Little Marvel, Green Arrow, Frosty, Knight, Sparkle and Burpeeana.

Edible-podded types are Sugar Ann, Sugar Bon and Sugar Snap. Oriental thin-podded types include Dwarf Grey Sugar and Mammoth Sugar.

Planting Requirements - As a cool-season crop, peas can be planted in early spring as soon as soil can be worked. Sow seeds one inch deep and two inches apart in the row. Low-growing varieties can be grown in rows 18 to 24 inches apart, Marr said. Climbers need three feet between rows, or plant a double row six inches apart on either side of a trellis.

Plant seed in early to mid-March when soil dries enough to work. The peas will germinate when soil conditions become favorable. Peas can be grown in a variety of soils, however, good drainage is essential. Peas require a pH of 6.0 to 6.7.

Peas benefit from wide-row planting, which allows the weak, spindly vines to support each other. Each wide row is actually two to three rows spaced 4 to 6 inches apart. In turn, these wide rows are 12 inches apart, Marr said

Fertilization - Specific application rates are best determined using the results of a soil test. Contact your local county Extension office for information on soil testing.

Fertilizer may either be broadcast and worked into the soil before planting time or banded two inches to the side and three inches below the seed at the time of planting. A later side dressing, after pods begin to form, may be necessary if plants appear yellowish or are not growing well.

Cultural Practices - Weed control is essential especially in the first six weeks after planting. Shallow cultivation and hand pulling are the preferred methods, Marr said.

The soil should be kept evenly moist. Overhead watering should be done early in the day to reduce the incidence of leaf diseases occurring when the leaves remain wet overnight.

An organic mulch about two inches deep will conserve soil moisture and reduce weed problems.

Pea diseases include powdery mildew, root rot and wilt. If possible, rotate the location of peas in the garden to reduce the incidence of soil-borne diseases building up over time.

Insect pests of peas include aphids, leafhoppers, seed corn maggots and mites. Contact your local Extension office for identification and control recommendations, Marr said.

Harvest and Handling - Once peas begin to reach the appropriate stage for picking, harvesting will continue on a daily basis for several days or even weeks with succession planting.

Peas are best used as soon as possible after harvest, Marr said. They may be stored in the refrigerator for a few days if cooled immediately. For best quality, freezing and canning should be done within a few hours after picking.

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K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Lucas Shivers, Communications Assistant
lshivers@oznet.ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News