Growing, Caring for, and Harvesting Peas
Taking a trip down memory lane as we say I recall my childhood days of one day deciding to construct my very first home garden. I was so excited as I cleaned and prepared the planting site.
I still can remember lining the borders of the garden with stones, as I tried my best to make my little garden the perfect garden, my little hands with a shovel, rake, and other garden equipment working well into the evening very happy envisioning how wonderful everything would look.
I guess back then for most kids my age this would be the last thing on their mind but not me, I did what other kids did but at the same time, I wanted a garden of my own. I believe in part why I had this desire was because of my parent’s garden and also in my neighborhood, many families had a garden also.
Growing, Caring for, and Harvesting Peas
A few favorite dishes the natives enjoy here on the island are peas n rice also peas soup which is so delicious. Just yesterday my mother invited me over for Sunday dinner and that is what I enjoyed some of her wonderful down-home mouth-watering peas soup. But how do peas get from the garden to the dinner table? I am so happy that you asked. This is what we will be looking at in this article.
But before we look at growing, caring for, and harvesting peas what I want to say here is that peas are loaded with vitamins and other benefits which you can view here. Peas one of nature’s health wonders.
Growing, Caring for, and Harvesting Peas
1. A sunny location is ideal for the proper growth of peas.
2. The soil should be a good garden soil such as compost because this soil is great for its water holding capacity along with absorbing fertilizer.
3. When planting place 2-3 peas per hole at a depth of 1- 1/2 inch and 1 inch apart.
4. For the next several weeks keep the soil moist, not waterlogged.
5. When plants reach 2-3 ft fertilizer with an organic fertilizer.
6. Optional but it is a good idea to mulch around plants. Mulches help to hold down weeds, retain water, keep soil temperature cool, and adds nutrients to the soil as it breaks down or decomposes.
Insects pest and disease of peas plant
One thing that the home gardener will face is insect pests and disease. Don’t let this discourage you because knowing what to do will ensure that you yield a good harvest.
Insect pests
- Thrips
- Aphids
- Spider mites
- Armyworm
- Cutworm
- Cucumber beetles
- Pea weevils
Using neem oil, insecticidal soap or an organic insecticide will give good results. Remember to always follow directions when using chemicals because the label is the law.
Peas tree diseases
Damping-off and root rot is caused by wet soil and cool conditions that encourage fungi. Seeds become soft and rot sets in. Foliage also turns yellow, stunted, and wilts. Control measures include not overwatering, planting in well-drained soil, using a fungicide, crop rotation, and using disease-free seeds
Fusarium wilt is the result of a soil-borne fungus that causes wilting and yellowing of foliage. The growth of the plant is also stunted. Sterilize the soil by covering it with clear garden plastic. To be more effective wet soil then cover with plastic.
Make sure that plastic is laying even or level with the soil surface. Tact edges of the plastic with nails or using clips will work. It is best to use this method when temperatures are high because the heat will cause the soil temperature to rise to a boiling point eliminating the fungus. Plastic should be left in place anywhere from 4-6 weeks before removing,
Asocochyta blight is a fungus that appears as a black stem, along with brown blotches and yellow foliage (leaves) buds will also drop from plants. Control by removing and destroying the infected plants. Also, crop rotation has proven to give results.
Powdery mildew and downy mildew is caused by a fungus that is brought on by cool moist conditions, crop rotation as well as applying a fungicide is helpful also using disease-free seeds and keeping beds free of debris has proven to be beneficial.
Bacterial blight appears as dark shiny green water spots on the leaves surface with an irregularly shaped spot becoming brown. This disease will cause pods and buds to drop.
Control measures include watering plants at the base, rotating crops on a yearly basis, using disease-free seeds, and removing debris in the fall.
Harvest time
You have tilted the soil, dug those holes, planted your seeds, watered, fertilize, and took care of those uninvited guests (insect pest) now the time has come to reap the rewards of your labor.
Harvest time is such an exciting time as you prepare to harvest those peas. To know if your peas are ready to harvest look for peas pods that is swollen and plump. Snap them off where the pods are joined to the stem it is that simple. Now you are ready to add them to some of your recipes.
The final word
Growing, caring for, and harvesting your homegrown garden peas tree is that simple all it takes is some know-how and you will reap the rewards of your labor. I encourage you to make these plants a part of your spring garden as you give nature a helping hand.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
My family grew peas growing up. I didn’t really get in on the growing process, just the picking process. But I always loved fresh peas right out of the pod. Can these be grown in a warmer climate like Florida? I would love to add these to my garden! Don’t know why I haven’t.
Hello Matt’s Mom so good to see you. The weather of Florida is somewhat equal to the weather here in the Bahamas so you will have good success with planting peas. Please let me know how it goes. Wishing you the best of success. Have a good day.
I have many fond memories of visiting our relatives who had big family farms and stealing peas and baby carrots from the garden. We ate good!
Thank you for sharing this information on growing peas and I will try it this year and enjoy the bounty!
That is a very comprehensive article.Thank you for your in depth knowledge.I liked the lists of pests and fungus. Very interesting!How did you learn about neem oil? I am a big fan. Great info! The organic pesticides are excellent for edible plants. I really enjoyed your article.Your thought ful and healthful.approach was refreshing and right on!
Hello Mark so nice to meet you and thanks so much for your kind words. I have been in this field for so many yes and have done tons of research, trying to remember when I was first introduce to neem oil I am so sorry it has been so long I can’t seem to remember how maybe it might of been through research. So sorry I am not much help in this matter but it is good to know that we have these product to make life easy. All the best to you and have a good day.