Growing Peas
Pisum sativum : Fabaceae / the pea or legume family
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | P | P | P |
(Best months for growing Peas in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)
- P = Sow seed
- Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 8°C and 24°C.
- Space plants: 5 - 8 cm apart
- Harvest in 9-11 weeks. Pick the pods every day to increase production.
- Compatible with (can grow beside): Potatoes
Peas are best grown in cooler seasons. Peas need some support when growing, tree prunings with lots of small twigs are a cheap and handy source. Or else strings between posts or wire netting. Peas need tying in the early stages, until they start producing tendrils and clinging to the support.
Some pea varieties are called 'dwarf' but to make harvesting easier it is a good idea to support the plants.
Pick pea pods while young and pick them often to keep them producing.
Culinary hints - cooking and eating Peas
Raw straight from the pod in the garden is best!
Raw in salads.
Steamed lightly.
Small pods can be steamed whole.
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