How to Grow Peas for Beginners

Sharing is caring!

How to Grow Peas for Beginners, so you can fill your garden with another amazing vegetable that your family will love to snack on. Peas are not only easy to grow, but they also need very little attention once they are in the ground. This makes them a perfect addition to any backyard garden.

Growing peas is an enjoyable and straightforward way to start harvesting fresh produce from your own backyard—Gardening 101 made simple.

I have this sweet memory with my kids—heading out to the garden for a bit of weeding, and before I know it, I look up to see them lounging in the morning sunshine, happily munching on peas straight from the vine. It’s one of those moments I hold close to my heart, and I can’t wait to share it with my grand-boys someday soon.

Every year, I make sure to plant 4-5 sweet pea plants, just so we have a little snack ready while we’re out working. Not everything in the garden has to be harvested and preserved—sometimes it’s about planting a few things you love to enjoy right then and there.

Gardening isn’t just about self-reliance; it’s about spending time with family, getting outside, and creating those simple, beautiful memories that stay with you forever.

Things to Know About Peas

Homegrown peas are a whole different experience from store-bought ones—crisp, sweet, and packed with flavor. In my opinion, nothing beats the taste of fresh peas straight from the garden, which is why they’re easily one of my all-time favorites to grow.

The best part? Peas are incredibly easy to grow, no matter where you live. They’re one of the first crops you can plant in the spring—just as soon as the ground is workable, even if there’s still a chance of late snow. And if you’re in a milder climate, you can even sow them in the fall for a second harvest.

Generally, February, March, and April are the best months for planting. If you’re in a warmer climate, you can also grow peas as a fall crop by planting in late summer or early fall, about 6-8 weeks before the first frost.

That said, peas are best enjoyed fresh. They don’t stay at their peak for long after picking, so it’s a good idea to eat them right away or use them in the day’s meal. If you’re planning to preserve them, here’s a pro tip: wait until the very last minute to pick them. This ensures they’re preserved at their absolute freshest, so you can enjoy that garden-fresh taste later on.

Fun Fact: Peas are not just delicious—they’re also little powerhouses for your garden. They fix nitrogen in the soil, which helps other plants thrive. And let’s not forget, they’re one of the easiest and most rewarding crops to grow, making them a must-have for any backyard gardener.

Types of Peas

There are three main types that are perfect for growing in your backyard garden:

• Sweet Peas: Also called English peas or garden peas, these are the classic variety. The pods aren’t edible, so you’ll need to shell them to enjoy the peas inside.
• Snow Peas: These are a bit different—they have flat, stringless, edible pods. You can eat the pods and peas together, making them a fantastic snack while you’re out working in the garden.
• Snap Peas: These are my personal favorite! Like snow peas, their pods are edible, but they’re thicker and hold larger, full-size peas. They’re perfect for snacking right off the vine or bringing inside for a refreshing afternoon treat.

Survival Garden Seeds Oregon Sugar Pod II Pea & Sugar Daddy Snap Pea Seed Collection – Non-GMO Heirloom Seed Varieties to Grow Delicious Cool Weather Vegetables on Your HomesteadOrgano Republic Pea Oregon Sugar Pod II Seeds Pack 15G – Over 75 Non-GMO Heirloom Pea Seeds for Planting Vegetables in Individual Seed Packet, Vegetable Seeds for Planting Home Garden Indoor & Outdoor30+ Seed Oregon Giant Snow Pea Seed for Planting Outdoor-Non-GMO Heirloom Vegetables Seed Plant in Your Containers Home Garden

 

How Many Seeds to Plant

The amount of peas to plant for your family depends on how you plan to use them.

• For preserving or freezing: Plan on 15-20 plants per person in your household to ensure a full harvest.
• For snacking: If your family loves munching on fresh peas straight from the garden, consider planting a few extra plants to keep up with the demand.

It’s always a good idea to plant a few additional seeds as a backup, just in case some don’t sprout.

Seeds or Plants

While it’s possible to start peas indoors and transplant the seedlings, it’s not the best idea. Pea seedlings don’t handle replanting well—the process of moving them can disturb their roots, which can lead to a smaller harvest later on. That’s why peas do best when you plant the seeds directly in the garden.

SLCG Pro Tip: Want to speed up germination? Soak your seeds in water overnight before planting—it’s a simple trick that works wonders.

How Long Does it Take Peas to Grow?

Peas typically take about 60 to 70 days to grow from planting to harvest, depending on the variety. Some faster-growing types might be ready in as little as 55 days, while others could take closer to 80. Keep in mind that weather, soil conditions, and care can all influence how quickly they grow.

What you Need to Grow Peas

Before you start planting, be sure your area is ready specifically for growing peas.

• Soil: Peas love well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0-7.5). Adding compost or organic matter before planting can give them a great start. Avoid overly wet or compacted soil, as peas don’t like soggy roots.
• Location: Choose a spot with good air circulation to prevent diseases and ensure healthy growth. Avoid planting peas in the same spot year after year to reduce the risk of soil-borne pests and diseases.
• When to Plant: Peas thrive in cool weather, so plant them as soon as the soil is workable in early spring. For a fall harvest, plant them about 8-10 weeks before the first expected frost.
• Sun: Peas need plenty of sunlight to grow well, so choose a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Support: Peas are natural climbers, so they will need something for support. You can use a trellis, a piece of fencing, or netting. This keeps the plants off the ground, improves air circulation, and makes harvesting easier.

How to Grow Peas for Beginners

Peas are one of the easiest veggies to grow, making them a perfect choice for beginner gardeners. With the right timing and a few simple tips from this guide, you’re almost guaranteed a successful harvest.

#1. Temperature

Peas love cooler weather and can even handle a light frost. However, soil temperature plays a big role in how quickly your seeds sprout. If you plant in soil that’s around 40°F, it could take over a month for the seeds to germinate. But if the soil is closer to 60°F, you’ll see sprouts in about a week.

#2. Sun

Peas don’t need as much sun as other garden plants—5 to 6 hours a day is plenty. They actually prefer cooler spots with a bit of shade, especially as temperatures rise. Too much heat and sun can cause them to fade out, so aim for a location that keeps them cool while still offering some sunlight for a longer growing season.

#3. Soil

Peas thrive in fertile, well-draining soil with a slightly sandy texture. Before planting, mix in plenty of compost to give them the nutrients they need. The ideal soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.5. If your soil is too acidic, you can balance it out by adding dolomite or agricultural lime.

Read our quick guide on Backyard Composting for how you can set up an area right next to your garden.

#4. Watering

Keeping the soil consistently moist is key to a good harvest. Letting it dry out completely can really hurt your plants. Water deeply at least once a week, making sure the moisture reaches down into the soil. During blooming and pod production, it’s especially important to keep the soil moist. If it’s hot out, you might need to water daily to keep your plants happy.

#5. Fertilizing

Peas are light feeders and don’t need much fertilizer. In fact, too much nitrogen can lead to lots of leafy growth but fewer pods—and it can make the plants more vulnerable to frost. For the best results, skip the fertilizer altogether and let your peas do their thing.

#6. Support

Peas love to climb, so it’s important to give them something to grab onto. You can buy a trellis, repurpose an old tomato cage, or even rig up some fencing—it doesn’t have to be fancy. Providing support not only helps your peas grow taller and stronger but also improves air circulation, keeps diseases away, and makes harvesting easier.

Planting Peas

When it comes to planting peas, one of the key things to remember is that they’re climbers. Keep in mind, though, that adding a trellis or fence can create some shade in your garden. If shade isn’t ideal for your other plants, try planting your peas on the north side of your garden. This way, your peas will still get the sunlight they need without casting shadows over the rest of your plants.

Spacing

When it’s time to plant, sow your seeds thickly in wide rows. The seeds can be close together, but make sure the rows are at least 7 inches apart. Planting them close together helps shade out weeds, keeps the soil cool, and boosts your yield. Plus, it’s a great way to make the most of your garden space. No need to fuss over spacing—just sprinkle the seeds and let them fall where they may, even if they’re touching.

Depth

For spring planting, cover your seeds with about an inch of soil. If you’re planting in summer or fall, go a little deeper—about two inches of soil will do the trick.

And here’s the best part: no thinning required. Once your pea plants germinate, just let them grow. They’ll still produce plenty of pods, so you can sit back and enjoy the process.

Things to Watch for When Growing Peas

Even though peas are pretty easy to grow, there are a few things to keep an eye on to make sure your plants stay happy and healthy.

1. Deer and Rabbits – Deer and rabbits love sweet peas just as much as we do, so they can become a bit of a problem in your garden. Luckily, there are a few tricks to keep them at bay. Try planting onions or garlic around the edges of your garden—these strong scents can help deter them. Another option is to place pieces of strong-smelling soap around your garden or use wire mesh to protect your plants.

2. Mexican Bean Beetles and Wireworms – If you notice your pea plants’ leaves looking yellow, misshapen, or full of holes, you might have some unwelcome visitors like Mexican bean beetles or wireworms. To keep these pests away, consider planting companion plants like basil or rosemary, which have strong scents that repel them. You can also remove the pests by hand or spray them off with water. For wireworms, sow your seeds in warm soil to encourage quick germination and make sure your soil has good drainage.

3. Diseases – Peas can sometimes fall victim to diseases like fungus, mold, or mildew. Some pea varieties are resistant to these issues, but if you spot signs of trouble, act quickly. Mold might show up as a white cottony substance or black spots on the pods. If you see this, remove the affected pods right away. The plant itself can often stay healthy and keep producing.

To prevent diseases, keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and make sure your plants get plenty of sunlight.

When to Harvest Pea Plants

Most pea varieties are ready to harvest in about 60-70 days, but knowing exactly when to pick depends on the type of pea you’re growing.

• Snow peas: Harvest these when the pods start to show tiny, immature seeds inside.
• Snap peas: Pick them when the pods are plump with peas but still have a glossy, fresh look on the outside.
• Shell peas: These are ready to go before the pods turn waxy.

Once your pea plants start blooming, they’ll mature quickly, so check them daily. The best time to pick is in the morning, after the dew has dried—this is when they’re at their crispiest. Regular picking is key to encouraging new pods to grow, so don’t skip it.

When harvesting, use two hands to avoid damaging the plant. Hold the vine with one hand and gently pluck the pod with the other.

Peas are best enjoyed fresh, so plan to eat them within a day of picking. If you can’t eat them all right away, prep them for canning or freezing to lock in their flavor. Just don’t wait too long—peas lose their sweetness and flavor pretty quickly.

Storing Peas

If you’ve got a fresh harvest of peas, you can keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just pop them into a paper bag and wrap it in plastic to keep them fresh.

Want to save your peas for later? Freezing them is super simple and a great way to dip your toes into food preservation.

How to Freeze Peas

1. Start by shelling and washing your peas.
2. Blanch them by dropping them into a pot of boiling water for just 1 ½ minutes—don’t overcook, or they’ll turn mushy.
3. Drain them quickly using a colander.
4. Immediately cool them down by immersing them in ice water until they’re completely chilled.
5. Drain again, then pack your peas into freezer bags or containers.

Don’t forget to label and date your frozen peas so you know when you preserved them.

Can you Grow Peas in Containers?

Yes, you can absolutely grow peas in containers. It’s a great option if you’re short on garden space. Here’s how to get started:

1. Choose a Deep Container – Pick a pot that’s at least 12 inches deep with good drainage holes.
2. Fill with Quality Soil – Use a well-draining potting mix that is lightweight and helps to keep roots from soaking.
3. Plant Your Seeds – Sow seeds about 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart. A 10-gallon grow bag can hold around 10 pea plants comfortably.
4. Add Support for Climbing – Place a small trellis, bamboo stakes, or even netting into the pot for the plants to climb as they grow.
5. Water Regularly – Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Containers can dry out quickly, so check often.
6. Feed and Monitor – Use a balanced fertilizer if needed, and keep an eye out for pests or diseases.

MQHUAYU 3 Pack Tomato Cages with 17 Gallon Grow Bags, 47” Heavy Duty Square Tomato Plant Stakes Support Cages Trellis for Garden Climbing Vegetables Flowers Fruits (47IN Tall, Extra-Bold)CJGQ Fabric Raised Garden Beds Outdoor, 2X2 Ft 4 Grids Plant Grow Bags,Vegetables Planter Raised Bed for Growing Potatoes Flowers, Square Plant Growing Container Bags for Outdoor Indoor5.5Ft Tomato Cages for Gardens with 46-Gallon Grow Bags, Adjustable Plant Support Stakes & Trellis – Raised Garden Bed Climbing Vegetables Fruits Flowers Outdoor Gardening Supplies

 

Growing Tips for Peas

• To get the best pea harvest, try rotating your garden crops. Avoid planting peas in the same spot more than once every four years to keep the soil healthy.
• Pea roots are great for your garden because they add nitrogen to the soil, making it perfect for growing heavy feeders like tomatoes or squash after your pea plants are done.
• If you want your seeds to germinate quickly, plant them in raised beds. The soil in raised beds warms up faster, helping those seeds sprout sooner.
• Keep an eye on your pods. If they harden and turn dull, they’re overripe. Unfortunately, overripe plants usually stop producing and won’t survive the hot summer.
• If you do miss the prime time for harvesting, don’t worry. You can still pick and dry the peas. Once shelled, they’re perfect for soups and stews in winter.
• The size of your pea plants depends on the variety you choose. Bush peas usually grow to about 18-30 inches tall, while pole peas can climb to 4-6 feet. Both types will need support, so add trellises, stakes, or netting as they grow.
• Watering is important but easy to manage. Use the finger test: stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels moist, you’re good. Usually, watering once a week is enough, but if it’s particularly hot, you may need to water twice.
• When you first plant your peas, some seeds might get washed out of the soil since they’re only planted about an inch deep. If that happens, just poke them back in gently.
• Pea roots are shallow and delicate, so if weeds pop up, pull them out by hand. Avoid using a hoe to prevent damaging the roots.
• If the leaves start to look yellow, it might mean your plants are getting too much sun. Add row covers on really hot days to provide shade, and double-check that the soil is staying moist enough.
• A thin layer of mulch goes a long way—it keeps the soil cool, locks in moisture, and helps cut down on weeds. It’s a simple trick that makes a big difference.

Peas are a healthy and delicious addition to your summer table and you can store them dried or frozen for use in soups and stews all winter long. They’re a high-yielding plant that can also provide nutrients to your other plants and they’re easy to grow making them the perfect plant for beginning gardeners.

Find a spot in your garden or place a raised bed in an area that gets good sunlight, add a trellis, and get planting! When it comes to growing peas, they’re almost foolproof.

How to Grow Resources

• How to Grow Squash
• How to Grow Peas
• How to Grow Watermelon