Peas

Ah, the humble little pea. How we love them in our salads, stir fries and stews, right out of the pod for a snack and in just about any casserole.

Peas are a cool weather, frost tolerant vegetable and do best in a climate where soil and air temperatures remain below 80 degrees F for best germination and plant growth. They will grow in all soil types that are rich in organic matter and are well drained. If you have a heavy clay soil, you can mix organic matter in to improve it. Peas have the ability to generate nitrogen in the soil and can actually make the soil richer.

Plant your peas as soon as the ground can be worked, in an area with full sun. Sow seeds 1 inch deep, spaced 1-2 inches apart, in rows 12-24 inches apart. Peas need constant soil moisture to keep developing well so be sure to water the ground when there is not enough rainfall.

Some peas require a support for their climbing vines. You can install supports at planting time, or when seedlings are 3 inches high. Peas grow on rather pretty vines about 3-4 feet tall. Curly tendrils reach out and grasp onto the support. You'll see pods begin to develop soon after the flowers drop.

Harvest when the pods are bright green and plump depending on the variety. Pick your peas right before you want to eat them so you get the most from their nutrients and taste.