There’s something truly special about growing fresh peas in your garden. Whether you’re picking crisp sugar snap peas to eat straight off the vine, harvesting tender shelling peas for cooking, or enjoying the beauty of pea plants climbing up trellises, growing peas is both rewarding and easier than you might think!
Why Grow Peas?
✅ Early Season Crop: Peas thrive in cool weather, making them one of the first vegetables you can plant in the spring.
✅ Low Maintenance: They require minimal care once established.
✅ Space-Saving: Since peas grow vertically, they take up less garden space than bushy plants.
✅ Nutrient-Rich: Fresh peas are packed with vitamins, fiber, and protein.
✅ Fixes Nitrogen in Soil: Peas improve soil quality by pulling nitrogen from the air and storing it in their roots—great for future crops!
Types of Peas to Grow
Before you plant peas in your garden, it’s essential to choose the right type based on your cooking preferences, space, and climate. While all peas belong to the Pisum sativum species, they come in three main types, each with unique characteristics.
Some peas are best for fresh eating, while others are ideal for cooking or preserving. Some require shelling, while others have edible pods. Let’s explore these types in detail so you can pick the perfect variety for your garden.
1. Shelling Peas (Garden Peas) 🥣
Also known as: English peas, Green peas
What Are Shelling Peas?
Shelling peas are the traditional peas most people think of when they imagine fresh green peas. They grow inside thick, fibrous pods, which are not edible and must be removed before eating. Once shelled, the sweet, round peas inside can be eaten fresh, cooked, frozen, or canned.
Best Uses:
✅ Cooking (soups, stews, casseroles)
✅ Freezing for long-term storage
✅ Canning for preservation
✅ Eating fresh if picked young and tender
Growth & Harvesting:
- Shelling peas take about 60-70 days to mature.
- Harvest when the pods are full but still tender, before the peas become too starchy.
- The plants can be bushy or vining, depending on the variety.
Recommended Varieties:
🌱 Green Arrow: A reliable, high-yielding variety with long pods and sweet peas.
🌱 Lincoln: A heat-tolerant pea with exceptional sweetness, perfect for fresh eating.
🌱 Wando: Resistant to both heat and cold, making it an excellent choice for unpredictable climates.
2. Snap Peas 🥗
Also known as: Sugar snap peas
What Are Snap Peas?
Snap peas are a hybrid between shelling peas and snow peas, developed to have thick, crisp, edible pods. Unlike shelling peas, you don’t have to remove the peas from the pod—you eat them whole!
They have a sweet, crunchy texture, making them a favorite for snacking fresh, stir-fries, or salads. They are best when picked young, as older pods can become tough and fibrous.
Best Uses:
✅ Snacking fresh straight from the vine
✅ Raw in salads for a crunchy texture
✅ Stir-frying (they hold their crunch when cooked)
✅ Light steaming with butter and herbs
Growth & Harvesting:
- Snap peas mature in 55-65 days.
- Pick when pods are plump and crisp, before the peas inside become too large.
- Plants grow as vines, so they need trellises or stakes for support.
Recommended Varieties:
🌱 Sugar Snap: The original and most popular variety, with exceptionally sweet and crunchy pods.
🌱 Cascadia: A compact, disease-resistant variety that produces abundant, juicy pods.
🌱 Super Sugar Snap: A vigorous grower with extra-large, super-sweet pods.
3. Snow Peas 🍜
Also known as: Chinese pea pods
What Are Snow Peas?
Snow peas are known for their thin, flat, edible pods with tiny peas inside. Unlike snap peas, they don’t develop large peas inside, making the pods the main attraction.
Snow peas are mildly sweet and crisp, making them a favorite for Asian dishes, stir-fries, and salads.
Best Uses:
✅ Stir-fries (they retain crunch when cooked)
✅ Raw in salads
✅ Sautéed with garlic and butter
✅ Light steaming
Growth & Harvesting:
- Snow peas mature in 50-60 days.
- Harvest when pods are thin and flat, before peas start to enlarge.
- Snow peas grow on vining plants, so they require trellises or stakes.
Recommended Varieties:
🌱 Oregon Sugar Pod: Produces large, sweet pods and is resistant to disease.
🌱 Mammoth Melting: A tall-growing variety with extra-large pods, perfect for stir-frying.
🌱 Dwarf Grey Sugar: A compact variety with purple flowers and delicious pods, great for small gardens.
Comparison: Shelling Peas vs. Snap Peas vs. Snow Peas
| Feature | Shelling Peas (Garden Peas) | Snap Peas | Snow Peas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edible Pod? | ❌ No, must be shelled | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Sweetness | 🍬 Sweet when fresh, starchy when mature | 🍬🍬 Very sweet and crunchy | 🍬 Mildly sweet |
| Texture | Soft and tender | Crisp and crunchy | Thin and crisp |
| Best Uses | Cooking, freezing, canning | Snacking, stir-fries, salads | Stir-fries, raw salads |
| Harvest Time | 60-70 days | 55-65 days | 50-60 days |
| Support Needed? | Some varieties need staking | Yes, requires trellis | Yes, requires trellis |
| Examples | Green Arrow, Lincoln, Wando | Sugar Snap, Cascadia, Super Sugar Snap | Oregon Sugar Pod, Mammoth Melting, Dwarf Grey Sugar |
Which Pea Type is Best for You?
🌿 Choose Shelling Peas If:
✔️ You love traditional garden peas.
✔️ You want to freeze or can your harvest.
✔️ You don’t mind shelling peas before eating.
🌿 Choose Snap Peas If:
✔️ You want sweet, crunchy peas that can be eaten whole.
✔️ You love snacking on fresh peas from the garden.
✔️ You want a versatile pea for raw and cooked dishes.
🌿 Choose Snow Peas If:
✔️ You enjoy Asian stir-fries and crunchy salads.
✔️ You want thin, flat pods that are quick to harvest.
✔️ You prefer a mild, slightly sweet pea flavor.
How to Grow Peas: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Choosing the Right Location ☀️
Peas grow best in cool temperatures and full sun. Choose a location with:
✅ At least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth.
✅ Well-draining soil to prevent root rot and soggy roots.
✅ Good air circulation to help prevent fungal diseases.
Container Gardening? No Problem!
Even if you don’t have a garden, you can still grow peas in containers.
✔️ Use a pot at least 12 inches deep to allow root growth.
✔️ Choose a trellised or dwarf variety for small spaces.
✔️ Provide a stake, trellis, or netting for the vines to climb.
Pro Tip: Place the container in a sunny location, like a balcony or patio, and water regularly.
Step 2: Preparing the Soil 🌿
Peas grow best in light, loamy soil with a neutral pH of 6.0-7.5.
How to Improve Soil for Peas:
🔹 Add compost before planting for better nutrients and moisture retention.
🔹 Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers—peas produce their own nitrogen!
🔹 Ensure good drainage by mixing in sand or organic matter if your soil is heavy or clay-like.
Soil Prep Tip: Raised beds or mounds work well for peas because they improve drainage and prevent waterlogging.
Step 3: Planting Peas 🌱
Peas hate hot weather, so plant them as early as possible in the spring—4-6 weeks before the last frost. They can even tolerate a light frost!
Planting Depth & Spacing:
📍 Depth: Plant seeds 1 inch deep.
📍 Spacing: Place seeds 2 inches apart, with rows 18-24 inches apart.
📍 For Trellised Peas: Space seeds closer together (1 inch apart) to maximize vertical growth.
Companion Planting for Peas:
Good Companions:
🌿 Carrots, radishes, lettuce, spinach, and cucumbers help peas thrive.
Avoid Planting Near:
❌ Onions, garlic, and potatoes—they compete for nutrients and may stunt pea growth.
Step 4: Providing Support (Trellises & Stakes) 🏗️
Most pea varieties grow as vines and need support to climb. If left sprawling on the ground, they are more susceptible to disease and pests.
Best Support Options:
✔️ Trellises: Place wire mesh or netting along the row for peas to climb.
✔️ Bamboo Teepees: Tie 3-5 poles together at the top for an easy and natural trellis.
✔️ Fencing: Plant peas along an existing chain-link fence for natural support.
Pro Tip: Install trellises BEFORE planting to avoid disturbing the roots later.
Step 5: Watering & Mulching 💦
Peas don’t like soggy roots, but they still need consistent moisture.
Watering Guide:
💧 Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
💧 Water deeply once or twice a week, especially during dry spells.
💧 Avoid overhead watering—wet leaves can lead to fungal diseases.
Mulching:
Adding straw, shredded leaves, or grass clippings around plants helps:
🌿 Retain moisture and reduce watering needs.
🌿 Suppress weeds, which compete for nutrients.
🌿 Keep soil cool, which is essential for pea growth.
Step 6: Fertilizing (Less is More!) 🧪
Peas don’t need much fertilizer since they fix their own nitrogen in the soil.
✔️ If your soil is poor, apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer (such as 5-10-10).
✔️ A small amount of compost tea can boost plant health.
✔️ Avoid too much nitrogen! It will cause excess leaf growth and fewer peas.
Step 7: Common Pests & Diseases 🐛🍂
Even though peas are low-maintenance, they can face some pests and diseases.
Pests:
| Pest | Damage | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Tiny green/black bugs that suck sap from leaves. | Spray with soapy water or neem oil. |
| Pea Weevils | Brown beetles that chew leaves and pods. | Use floating row covers to protect plants. |
| Slugs & Snails | Chew holes in leaves. | Scatter crushed eggshells or diatomaceous earth around plants. |
Diseases:
| Disease | Symptoms | Prevention & Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery fungus on leaves. | Increase air circulation and avoid overhead watering. |
| Root Rot | Yellow, wilting plants with rotting roots. | Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. |
Prevention Tip:
🔄 Rotate crops yearly to reduce the buildup of pests and diseases in the soil.
Harvesting Your Peas
The best part of growing peas? Eating them fresh! 😋
How to Know When Peas Are Ready to Pick ✅
Peas are typically ready for harvest 50-70 days after planting, depending on the variety. But not all peas are picked at the same stage—some are harvested for their pods, while others for their plump, tender peas inside.
Snap Peas & Snow Peas
🥒 Pick when pods are full and crisp, but before the peas inside become too large.
🥒 The pod should be firm and crunchy but still tender.
🥒 If left too long, snap peas become starchy and lose their sweetness.
Shelling Peas (Garden Peas)
🌿 Harvest when pods are plump but still tender.
🌿 The peas inside should be round and firm, but not too hard.
🌿 If left too long, the peas inside become tough and starchy.
Timing Is Everything ⏳
✅ Most pea varieties mature in 50-70 days.
✅ Morning is the best time to harvest—this is when peas are at their sweetest.
✅ Regular picking encourages more production—so don’t wait too long!
How to Harvest Peas Properly ✂️
Peas are delicate, and improper harvesting can damage the plant and reduce future yields. Use these gentle picking techniques to keep your pea plants healthy and productive.
Best Harvesting Method:
✔️ Use two hands: Hold the vine with one hand and pull the pod with the other. This prevents damage to the plant.
✔️ Cut or twist pods off gently: Using garden scissors or a gentle twisting motion prevents pulling on the delicate vines.
✔️ Check daily: Peas mature quickly—a delay of just a few days can make the difference between tender and tough peas.
Pro Tip: If you accidentally miss some peas and they become overripe, leave them to dry on the vine and use them as seeds for next season! 🌱
Storing & Using Fresh Peas
🍽️ Eat Fresh: Enjoy straight from the garden for the sweetest taste.
🧊 Refrigerate: Store fresh peas in a plastic bag for up to 5 days.
❄️ Freeze for Later: Blanch peas for 2 minutes, then freeze for long-term storage.
Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Pea Harvest!
Growing peas is simple, rewarding, and delicious. Whether you love sweet snap peas, crunchy snow peas, or classic garden peas, homegrown peas taste far better than store-bought.