GROWING GREEN PEAS

Introduction

There are two main types of peas those with edible pods and those with inedible pods.

Peas do well in cool, moist weather and do best in cold moderate climates. Early planting tends to produce high yields as compared to late planting. Peas are seasonal crops that should be sown directly to the ground when the soil temperature is at least 50°F. 

       Land preparation and Planting

Pea plants grow as vines therefore they need a support system such as bush peas. When planting ensures to check the variety that grows best in your region for high yields. Peas take 40_ to 50 days to mature and be ready for harvesting.

They do well in fertile, well-drained soils that contain enough levels of organic matter. The location of planting should have enough sunlight. The vining pea plants require support through netting or a trellis system. The bushy type of peas mostly has its support system. Peas require moderate levels of water during the growth period and higher levels during the summer. Avoid over-watering peas to prevent fungus. Before planting tests the soil pH for good-quality production. For the bush variety plant, the seeds are about one inch deep and two inches apart, in rows, they should be 18 to 24 inches apart. For the vining peas plant 6 to 8 seeds around the base of a circular trellis system. 

A successful harvest can produce 2 to 6 pounds of peas per 10-foot row. The growers should plant 30 plants per person for high productivity.

Peas are in the leguminous family and hence can take nitrogen gas from the air and turn it into plant-usable form. The process is called nitrogen fixation. 

      Plant Maintenance and Pest Management

The growers should check the soil moisture level near the root zone of the pea plant. The soil should be moist and pliable, not dry and crumbly. Maintenance of the flower bloom is important to check during the growth period. Minimize the use of pesticides during the flower bloom stage. To reduce pests and diseases plant seeds that are disease free certified, plant the seeds in well-drained soil, avoid plant overcrowding by weeding and thinning, remove any diseased plant or leaf, and avoid overhead irrigation. 

        Harvesting and Storage

Peas are harvested 50 to 80 days after planting. Depending on various plants should be harvested according to their size. The tender and sweet shelling leaves are harvested when the pods are well-developed and not bulging. The grower should not allow the peas pods to turn yellow because they become bitter and has low yields. They are harvested by removing the pods from the vines 1/4 inch above the fruit. Often picking green peas is essential for optimum growth and good quality. 

After the final harvest, the grower should remove and destroy the leftover plant debris. 

For more information on the growth and production of peas, you can contact www.stephensnaturals.com for guidance and consultancy.