Peas (Shelling) Growing Guide

Pisum sativum var. macrocarpum

Peas (Shelling)

Crop Rotation Group

Legumes (Pea and Bean family) 

Soil

Fertile, well drained soil.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

No.

Feeding

Not usually required, although a mulch of compost, grass clippings or other organic matter can help on poor soils.

Spacing

Single Plants: 10cm (3") each way (minimum)
Rows: 10cm (3") with 20cm (7") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Start peas off under cover in a length of old guttering as this makes it easy to tip them into their final planting site. Or sow directly into the soil. Sow in batches for a continuous supply.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Support plants with a strong row or wigwam structure over which netting can be tied for them to climb up. Alternatively, use twiggy sticks pushed into the ground near each plant.

Harvesting

Best picked just before eating, often sweet enough to enjoy raw.

Troubleshooting

Mature plants usually stop producing and die back in hot summer weather.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Peas (Shelling)