Early Perfection Pea Seed

Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)

• Timing: Sow pea seeds outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring, typically 4–6 weeks before the last frost date. In some regions, a second sowing can be done in late summer for a fall harvest.
• Location: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Peas can tolerate partial shade but produce best in full sun.
• Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 6–8 inches and work in compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage. Peas prefer a soil pH of 6.0–7.5.
• Planting Seeds:
  • Sow seeds 1–2 inches deep, spacing them 2 inches apart in rows.
  • Space rows about 18–24 inches apart. For climbing varieties, provide trellises or supports at planting.
• Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged until germination, which typically takes 7–14 days. Once established, water regularly, especially during flowering and pod formation.

Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)

• Timing: Peas are generally sown directly outdoors. However, if starting indoors, sow seeds 3–4 weeks before the last frost date.
• Containers: Use biodegradable pots or deep trays to reduce root disturbance when transplanting.
• Planting:
  • Sow seeds 1–2 inches deep, placing 1 seed per pot or cell.
  • Cover lightly with soil mix and water gently.
• Germination:
  • Maintain a temperature of 55–70°F for optimal germination.
  • Expect seedlings to emerge within 7–14 days.
• Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors when they are 4–5 inches tall and the soil temperature is consistently above 40°F. Space plants 2 inches apart in rows.

General Care Tips for Peas

• Sunlight: Provide full sun, though peas can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates.
• Watering: Water deeply and regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and pod formation. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of disease.
• Fertilizing: Peas are light feeders and fix their own nitrogen. Incorporate compost or a balanced fertilizer at planting if soil is poor, but avoid excess nitrogen, which can reduce yields.
• Weeding: Keep the area weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and moisture. Mulch helps suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.
• Supporting Climbing Peas: For climbing varieties, provide trellises, netting, or stakes to encourage vertical growth and improve airflow, reducing disease risks and easing harvesting.
• Harvesting: Harvest peas when pods are plump and bright green. For shelling peas, pick before pods start to dry out. For snap and snow peas, pick when pods are tender and seeds are just beginning to form.