A Beginner's Guide to Growing Peas in Zone 6 - Ninnescah Made (2024)

If lush vines and swirling tendrils heavy with green peas are your goal, you're in luck! Today I'm sharing my Guide for Growing Peas. If you've ever wondered what it takes to grow state-fair quality snow peas or sweet peas, this guide is here to show you exactly how. From when to plant peas in zone 6 to best harvesting tips, I've got you covered!

Ready? Let's dive in!

To make this how to grow peas guide easier to use, this article is split up into the following sections:Basic Pea Growing Tips,When to Plant Peas Zone 6, How to Plant Peas,Caring for Peas,Best Garden Companions for Peas,Common Diseases and Pest Control, and finallyHarvesting & Preserving Peas.

Feel free to skip ahead to the section you need most! Look for the bolded headings or use the jump-to button below.

Basic Pea Growing Tips

To set the stage for a bountiful pea harvest, it's essential to provide your pea plants with the right conditions to thrive. First and foremost, peas crave sunlight and cool temperatures, so choose a sunny spot in your garden with at least 6 to 8 hours of full sun per day. Peas will do best in the springtime sun or the fall sun when the temperatures are a little cooler, but there is no nighttime frost.

They also need well-draining soil that's rich in organic matter. Prepare the soil by incorporating compost or aged manure to boost fertility and moisture retention. To find the best time of year to plant peas in your garden, enter your zip code tofind your garden usda zoneto determine your last frost date.

Check Your Growing Zone

Use USDA hardiness zones date to count backwards and see when you should be planting based on the seed packet. Remember, this is just a starting point and a general rule, and not necessarily the best date for your specific location.

Here in zone 6B, I get the best results when I directly sow my garden peas this is generally done between March and April, depending on average nighttime temperatures. I have also grown peas in pots in my greenhouse by starting them in January, February and even March.

Peas Need Consistent Moisture

Adequate watering is crucial, aiming for consistent moisture without water logging the roots. Proper spacing between plants allows for good airflow and reduces the risk of disease.

Pea plants are considered to be nitrogen fixers. This means that they can take nitrogen from the air and convert it to a nitrogen product and emit it into the soil.

Most pea plants are climbing plants and will require a trellis to grow.

Popular Pea Varieties

There are three main types of peas, peas with edible shells and peas that need to be shelled.

Let's talk about the peas with edible pods! There are two common varieties that you have probably heard of, snap peas and snow peas. These are a personal favorite to plant. I love being able to enjoy a handful of peas as I walk through my garden.

Now, when it comes to snap peas there are many varieties, but the most common are going to be snap peas and snow peas. The snap peas are going to have a pea pod that is chucked full of full size peas, where as the snow peas will have more of a smaller immature pea inside their pod.

Both of these snap pea varieties have an edible pod with snap peas, particularly sugar snap peas, being the sweeter of the two. They can be eaten raw, aka when frolicking through the garden, or cooked.

What is a Shell Pea?

Now let's not forget about the peas that require a little more work from the gardener. This type of pea includes shell peas, also known as english peas. Shelling peas do not have an edible pod and will have to be cracked open so that you only eat the peas on the inside. They tend to be sweet when cooked and have a delicious flavor. But as I said, they require a little more work from you.

What is a Bush Pea?

While most pea varieties require a trellis to grow on, there are a couple varieties of bush peas. These pea plants will not require any trellising. They do not grow tall, but more in a more dense row of short plants.

Snap peas are my all-time favorite. I use them for stir-fry dishes, to place on my salads, and as a simple side dish at dinner.

When to Plant Peas Zone 6

In Zone 6, where the last frost date typically occurs in mid to late April, the right time to start pea seeds indoors approximately 4-6 weeks before the expected last frost date.

This means you would start your pea seeds indoors around early Mach for mid-April transplanting. Starting them at this time allows the seedlings to grow strong and healthy indoors before being transferred to the outdoor garden after the threat of frost has passed.

Please remember that some pea varieties do better directly sowed into the ground. They can be planted in ground up to 3 weeks before the last frost date. Peas can tolerate a light frost, but if you notice there is going to be late hard frost, I would be sure to cover the peas with a row cover.

How to Plant Pea Seeds

Pea seeds have a short growing season and don not necessarily need to be started indoors. You can get a head start by planting pea seeds indoors about 4-6 weeks before the expected last frost date in your area. This gives the young plants enough time to grow and develop into sturdy plants that can withstand outdoor conditions once the danger of frost has passed.

Starting Pea Seeds Indoors:

1. Gather your supplies: You'll need quality seed-starting mix, small pots or trays, plug trays, seed trays, or peat pellets, and of course, your pea seed packets.
2. Prep your pots: Fill your pots or trays with moistened potting soil, leaving about half an inch of space at the top.
3. Plant the seeds: Make small indentations in the soil, about a quarter-inch deep. Drop one or two pea seeds into each indentation.
4. Cover and water: Gently cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, then give them a good watering. Make sure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged for good germination.
5. Provide warmth and light: Place your pots in a warm, sunny spot, or use a grow light to provide the necessary warmth and light for germination. I highly recommend using a seedling heat mat to keep the soil temperature warm.
6. Be patient: Pea seeds can take 1-2 weeks to germinate, so be patient and keep an eye on them. I've had peas that have taken a couple of days to germinate while other have take 2 weeks so try to be patient. Different varieties will have different seed germination rates, even with ideal conditions.
7. Sunny spot: Once those first leaves peek out, it's time to give your little sprouts some sunshine or cozy up under a grow light. Leggy seedlings can occur without adequate light, so don't skip this. And here's a pro tip: thin 'em out to one seedling per pot to keep things breezy and ensure each plant gets its fair share of nutrients. I keep a fan running so that the seedlings develop strong stems.
8. Transplanting: Once your pea seedlings have their first set of true leaves and are sturdy enough to handle, you can begin hardening them off at around 4 weeks in. Start toughening up those seedlings by gradually introducing them to the great outdoors. A few hours of sun a day, increasing gradually, will do the trick. Just make sure to tuck 'em in before the nighttime chill sets in. You can transplant them into larger pots or directly into your garden.

How to Direct Sow Sweet Pea Seeds

1. Gather your supplies: You'll need your seed packet, garden rack and a garden hoe or shovel.
2. Prep your garden bed: You will want to make sure your garden bed has nutrient filled soil that is well draining. Rack the garden bed to assure that there are no big rocks and that the soil is loose and airy.
3. Plant the pea seeds: Using the corner of the hoe or the tip of your shovel, make a trench that is about 1 inch deep. You will then place the seeds into the trench about 2-3 inches apart.
4. Cover & Water:Gently cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, then give them a good watering. Make sure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged for good germination.
5. Provide warmth and light: Place your pots in a warm, sunny spot, or use a grow light to provide the necessary warmth and light for germination. I highly recommend using a seedling heat mat to keep the soil temperature warm.
6. Be patient: Pea seeds can take 1-2 weeks to germinate, so be patient and keep an eye on them. I've had peas that have taken a couple of days to germinate while other have take 2 weeks, so try to be patient. Different varieties will have different seed germination rates, even with ideal conditions.

How to Transplant Pea Plants

Whether your grew them yourself, or purchased cell packs of sweet peas from your local garden center, here's how to successfully plant them into your garden or raised garden bed.

To plant a hardened off pea seedling, start by choosing a sunny spot in your garden with well-drained soil. Dig a hole that is much deeper than the root ball of the seedling. Remove the seedling from its container, being careful not to damage the delicate roots. Place the seedling in the hole, allowing the top of the root ball to be level with the soil surface.

Add any needed amendments, like blood meal or worm castings. If you are unsure about the health of your soil, you can always order a soil test online. Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the base of the plant. Read my postCheap Ways to Add Nitrogen to the Soilfor more ideas!

Water the newly planted seedling thoroughly to settle the soil and provide moisture to the roots. Consider adding a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and prevent weed growth.

Peas require trellising, so have a plan for adding a homemade DIY or a store-bought trellis for the peas to climb.

Peas Like it Cold

A successful pea crop starts in the early spring while the temperatures are fluctuating like crazy. Peas HATE to be hot weather. Even a few days in the 80F range can have a lasting impact. Tough in hardiness zone 6, right? We can go from the perfect pea growing weather to 80 or 90 degree weather overnight.

The ideal temperature range for planting peas is between 45 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit in the day, and above 40 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Consistent exposure to subfreezing temperatures can cause the pea plants to be damaged, which results in a low harvest or stunted growth. Not worth it, considering the hard work we've put into our vegetable garden!

Caring for Peas

Throughout the growing season, regularly monitor for common garden pests and diseases. See myOrganic Guide to Pest Controlif you need some ideas. Consider using companion plants to enhance pest control and promote a healthy garden ecosystem.

Proper support and pruning techniques can help your pea plants thrive, ensuring good airflow, reducing disease risks, and maximizing fruit production. Remember to fertilize your pea plants appropriately, providing a balanced blend of nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Lastly, keep an eye on your peas as they ripen, and harvest them when they reach peak flavor and color. If they grow too large, they will be hard to chew.

What is Companion Planting?

Companion planting is like arranging a pea garden playdate! Imagine plants hanging out together and helping each other out, like best buddies. Companion planting is all about strategically pairing different plants that bring out the best in each other. You see, certain plants have unique qualities that can benefit their neighboring companions.

They can help repel pests, improve pollination, enhance nutrient uptake, and even provide shade or support. It's like a teamwork approach to gardening, where plants support and complement each other to create a happy, healthy garden.

It's pretty amazing how these plant friendships can make a real difference in your pepper plants' growth and productivity!

Best Companion Plants for Peas

Companion planting can be a game-changer when it comes to growing peas. Here are a few fantastic benefits that make it worth trying.

• Carrots| Plant carrots around peas to help loosen the soil so they peas can develop strong roots.
• Lettuce| Lettuce loves shade and has a shallow root system. So planting them at the base of the peas will give the lettuce plants shade while not interfering with the roots of the pea plants.
• Marigolds| Marigolds are renowned for their ability to repel various insects, including nematodes, aphids, whiteflies, and certain types of beetles. Their strong scent and natural compounds act as a deterrent.
• Beans |Peas and beans are both considered nitrogen fixers, meaning they replace the nitrogen in the soil. They can be planted together, as long as you are careful that tall pea plants do not block the sun from the bean plants and vice versa.
• Spinach|Spinach is like lettuce with a shallow root system. It is a cold whether crop that can be interplanted with peas.

Avoid planting peas with onions.

Nutrients for Peas

To ensure your peas receive the necessary nutrients, you can use a balanced fertilizer specifically formulated for legumes or incorporate organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure into the soil before planting. Regular soil testing can help you determine any nutrient deficiencies and adjust your fertilization accordingly. Read my postIs Fertilizer Plant Food?for a deeper dive!

Peas have specific nutrient requirements to grow and produce healthy, flavorful peas.Here are the essential nutrients that peas need:

• Nitrogen (N): Nitrogen is crucial for leafy growth and overall plant vigor. Peas have a moderate to high nitrogen requirement, especially during the vegetative growth stage.
• Phosphorus (P): Phosphorus is important for root development, flowering, and fruit set. It plays a key role in energy transfer within the plant and is essential for overall plant growth.
• Potassium (K): Potassium is essential for plant health and vigor. It helps regulate water uptake, improves disease resistance, and enhances fruit quality. Potassium is particularly important during flowering and fruiting stages.
• Calcium (Ca): Calcium is necessary for cell wall structure and strength, helping to prevent disorders like blossom end rot in peas.
• Magnesium (Mg): Magnesium is a component of chlorophyll, essential for photosynthesis, and enzyme activation. It's important for overall plant growth and development.
• Sulfur (S): Sulfur is necessary for the formation of certain amino acids and proteins in plants. It contributes to overall plant health and vigor.
• In addition to these macronutrients, peas also require various micronutrients in smaller quantities, including iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, and molybdenum, to support various biochemical processes within the plant.

Harvesting Peas

Knowing when a pea is ready to be harvested is important to ensure optimal flavor and texture. Here are some signs to look for to determine if your fresh peas are ripe and ready to be picked!

When peas are ready for picking, they'll typically have reached their full size and have a beautiful green color. For most varieties, this means they will have a plump, green shell.

Additionally, peas should feel firm to the touch and snap easily when opened. If they are really hard to open they are most likely over ripe. This rule is not true for snow peas. Snow peas are harvested when the peas are immature and not full size, this will mean that the pod appears more flat, but still nice and green in color.

Common Diseases and Pest Control

To prevent pea diseases, it's essential to maintain good garden hygiene, practice crop rotation, provide proper spacing for airflow, avoid overhead watering, and choose disease-resistant varieties when possible.

Additionally, applying organic fungicides or treatments as preventive measures can help protect plants from disease. Regular inspection of plants for signs of disease and prompt action if symptoms are detected are also crucial for disease prevention.

1. Downy Mildew: Identified by a greyish color on the underside of the leaf that makes the leaves turn yellow and die off.
2. Powdery Mildew: Characterized by a white, powdery coating on leaves, powdery mildew can weaken plants. Prevent it by providing good air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and applying fungicides preventatively.
3. Ascochyta Blight: This is a fungal disease that causes brown spots with grey centers on the leaves. If not caught and treated it can kill the entire crop very quickly.
4. Root Rot: Caused by a soil-borne pathogen, this disease leads to root rot and stunted growth. Prevent it by planting peppers in well-draining soil, avoiding overwatering, and rotating crops.
5. Mosaic Virus: This virus is caused by aphids and will result in stunted growth, deformed growth, and yellowing of the plant. It can not be treated or prevented once it happens.

How to Preserve Peas

Peas can be preserved bydehydrating,canning, fermenting, andfreeze drying.

I love drying peas in my food dehydrator and then reconstituting them in soups when I need a fresh peas but they are out of season! We generally do this right before we get our first week of temperatures above 78 degrees F. It's a great time, and a very fast and easy way to preserve a huge crop!

I have shelled by peas and froze them for later use in baked dishes, soups, and as a plain side.

My favorite ways to eat peas israw on salads or stirfries! Just slice them thinly and sprinkle them on top!

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I hope this guide was helpful! FromTomatoesto Peppers toPotatoesandGarlic ScapestoPumpkins, browse around to learn from my own successes and failures in the garden!

Happy gardening!

- Meg