Leslie Massey
Peas are a delightful addition to any garden and can be grown in pots on balconies or in backyards. They are easy to grow and provide a nutritious supplement to many meals. Peas are known for their sweet and tender pods and can be eaten straight from the plant. In Australia, peas can be sown in late autumn to early winter, around April to June, in mild climate zones, which include parts of Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania. For cooler regions, they can be sown in autumn and early spring.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Climate | Cold temperate, warm temperate, arid/semi-arid, sub-tropical |
| Soil | Deep, well-drained, fertile with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5 |
| Sunlight | Full sun, frost-free |
| Watering | Regular, but only when the soil feels dry |
| Feeding | Avoid feeding, but add well-rotted organic matter before planting |
| Planting Time | Autumn and early spring for cooler regions; late autumn to early winter in mild climate zones |
| Harvest Time | Between 11-14 weeks |
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What You'll Learn
Pea types and their growth times
There are two main types of peas: garden peas and podded peas. Garden peas, also known as shelling peas, are usually grown to maturity and shelled from fat pods. Podded peas, on the other hand, have edible pods, and include snow peas and sugar snap peas.
Garden Peas/Shelling Peas
Garden peas are grown for their sweet and tender peas. They are perfect for steaming or adding to recipes. Shelling peas may take longer to mature, typically requiring around 70 to 80 days from planting to harvest. They should be picked as soon as the pods are plump, and the peas inside are fully developed but not starchy.
Snow Peas
Snow peas have flat, edible pods with sweet and crunchy peas inside. They are great for stir-fries and salads. Snow peas are typically ready for harvest in about 60 to 70 days after planting. You should pick them when the pods are still flat and tender, and the peas inside are small and sweet.
Sugar Snap Peas
Sugar snap peas, also known as snap peas, have plump and edible pods with crisp, sweet peas inside. They are delicious for snacking and cooking. Like snow peas, snap peas are usually ready for harvest in approximately 60 to 70 days after planting. Snap peas can be picked when the pods are still young and tender, and the peas inside are tender.
It's worth noting that the growth times mentioned above may vary depending on growing conditions such as temperature, sunlight, water, and soil quality. In most parts of Australia, peas can be sown in autumn and early spring for cooler regions. In mild climate zones, which include parts of Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania, peas can be sown in late autumn to early winter, around April to June.
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Preparing the soil
Step 1: Choose the Right Soil Type
Peas prefer a well-draining, fertile, sandy loam soil. They will tolerate most soil types except heavy clay. If you have heavy clay soil, consider mixing in some sand or organic matter to improve drainage.
Step 2: Test and Adjust the pH Level
Peas thrive in alkaline to neutral soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. Test your soil's pH and adjust it if needed. If the pH is too low, you can add a handful of lime per square metre to raise it. This step is crucial, as the correct pH range ensures that your peas get the optimal amount of nutrients from the soil.
Step 3: Enrich the Soil with Organic Matter
Before planting, enrich the soil with organic matter such as compost, well-rotted manure, or chook poo. This enhances soil fertility, moisture retention, and nutrient availability for your pea plants. Dig and mix these amendments into the soil several weeks before planting to give them time to break down and improve the soil structure.
Step 4: Create Raised Beds or Rows
Create raised beds or garden rows to promote proper drainage and prevent waterlogging. This step is especially important if your garden area tends to hold water after rainfall or irrigation. Raised beds also provide a defined area for planting and make it easier to control weeds.
Step 5: Clear the Area and Loosen the Soil
Clear the planting area of weeds and debris to give your pea plants a healthy start. Then, loosen the soil to a depth of 15-20 cm. This step ensures that the roots of your pea plants can easily penetrate the soil and access water and nutrients.
Step 6: Water and Rest the Soil
After adding amendments and loosening the soil, water the area well and allow the soil to rest for about a week before planting. This gives the soil time to settle and ensures that your pea seeds or seedlings will have a welcoming environment.
Optional Step: Add Fertilisers
While not mandatory, adding fertilisers can boost the soil's nutrient content and promote healthier pea plants. A seaweed-based fertiliser or a fertiliser rich in potassium can be beneficial. However, be cautious with nitrogen-rich fertilisers, as too much nitrogen can promote leafy growth at the expense of flowers and pods.
Remember, preparing the soil for your pea garden is a critical step that lays the foundation for a bountiful harvest. By following these steps, you'll create an optimal environment for your pea plants to thrive and reward you with delicious, sweet peas.
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Planting and spacing
Peas can be sown in late autumn to early winter, around April to June, in mild climate zones, which include parts of Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania. In colder regions, such as southern Victoria and Tasmania, planting should also take place during this time. In other parts of Australia, peas can be sown in autumn and early spring for cooler regions.
Peas thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. The soil should be loose and friable to allow their roots to penetrate easily. Before planting, enrich the soil with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to enhance soil fertility, moisture retention, and nutrient availability. Create raised beds or garden rows to promote proper drainage and prevent waterlogging. Clear the area of weeds and debris, and loosen the soil to a depth of 15-20 cm.
Prepare the planting bed about five weeks before planting. Add well-rotted manure or compost and maintain a pH of 6.5–7.5. Peas should be planted no closer than 15 cm apart to prevent overcrowding and to give each plant enough space to develop.
Peas should be watered immediately after sowing and then left until after they germinate. At this point, begin watering them regularly, but only when the soil feels dry, to avoid overwatering. Peas should be kept damp but not wet, and it is important to avoid wetting the foliage, as this can provide the perfect conditions for fungus diseases.
A sprinkling of blood and bone a couple of times during the growing season, along with a drink of seaweed-based fertiliser every three weeks, is sufficient to nourish the plants.
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Watering and fertilising
Watering
Watering is crucial for healthy pea plant growth. It is recommended to water peas immediately after sowing, and then again after they germinate, at which point regular watering can commence. Maintaining consistent moisture is essential, especially during flowering and pod formation. Watering once or twice a week is usually sufficient, but this may vary depending on weather conditions. In hotter weather, supplementary watering is beneficial.
To prevent waterlogging, create raised beds or garden rows to promote proper drainage. It is also important to avoid overhead watering and wetting the leaves, as this can encourage fungal diseases like mildew. Instead, water in the morning and focus on the base of the plants. Applying a layer of organic mulch around pea plants can help conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain an even soil temperature.
Fertilising
Fertilising is important to ensure your pea plants receive adequate nutrients. Before planting, enrich the soil with organic matter such as compost, well-rotted manure, or a balanced fertiliser. A handful of a complete slow-release fertiliser will support pea plants through their fruiting period.
During the growing season, a sprinkling of blood and bone a few times, along with a seaweed-based fertiliser drink every two to three weeks, will promote overall plant health and protect against pests and diseases. A liquid seaweed fertiliser like Neptune Liquid Seaweed can be applied to the soil and foliage.
By following these watering and fertilising guidelines, you can optimise the growth and health of your pea plants, leading to a bountiful and rewarding harvest.
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Harvesting and storage
The time it takes for peas to grow depends on the variety and growing conditions. Generally, peas take approximately 60 to 70 days from planting to harvest. Snow peas and snap peas are typically ready for harvest in about 60 to 70 days after planting, while shelling peas may take a bit longer, usually around 70 to 80 days.
It's important to harvest pea pods every 2 to 3 days to stimulate greater production and keep the produce tender and succulent. Regularly monitoring the plants and observing the development of their pods will help determine the best time to harvest for the sweetest and tenderest peas. Snow peas are best harvested before the seed starts to swell in the pod.
If you have a large harvest and want to store your peas for longer, they can be kept in the refrigerator or freezer. Fresh peas should be stored in a perforated plastic bag or food storage container in the crisper drawer of the fridge for up to a week. The perforations are essential as peas need cool temperatures and moisture to preserve freshness.
Leftover cooked peas should be stored in an airtight container to lock out moisture and prevent spoilage. Spread them out in a shallow container to prevent moisture from building up, and they can last for up to a week in the fridge. If you can't use them within a week, freezing them is a great option. Simply spread the peas on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer the peas to a freezer bag or container, where they will stay perfectly fresh for up to a year.
To save pea seeds for future planting, allow the selected pods to mature and dry on the plant. Once the pea pods are fully dry, remove the peas and let them air dry for a few more days. Store the dry pea seeds in a cool, dry place in a labelled envelope or container, and you'll have seeds ready for planting in future seasons.
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Frequently asked questions
In most parts of Australia, peas can be sown in autumn and early spring for cooler regions. In mild climate zones, which encompass parts of Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania, peas can be sown in late autumn to early winter, around April to June.
The time it takes for peas to grow depends on the variety and growing conditions. Generally, peas take approximately 60 to 70 days from planting to harvest.
Peas thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. Loose and friable soil allows their roots to penetrate easily. They should be kept in a sunny and breezy spot with full sun and protected from strong winds.
Peas should be watered regularly, but not too much, especially when they are young. Water them first thing in the morning, only when the soil feels dry, and avoid wetting the foliage.
