Peas Farming Planting Growing and Harvesting Peas

 

A blog post around the basics of pea farming

Introduction

Peas are one of the most popular vegetables around. There are many ways to grow peas, which makes them an attractive crop for many farmers.

 A key characteristic of peas is the ability to be grown on a variety of soils, from well-drained loamy soil to parent clay soil. 

With proper soil testing, farmers can select the best type of soil for their crop. This article will look at the different types of soils and how to assess them.

Climate Need For Green Pea Farming

Soil preparation for Peas Farming

Peas Farming Soil preparation and sowing. Soil preparation is one of the big keys to growing a good crop of peas. 

I prepared this bed with some more soil, compost, and animal manures to make the soil structure free draining enough, but also water-holding and rich. 

Peas are fairly resistant to drought conditions, but they still do best with regular water. And whilst I can handle sandy or heavy soils, you'll get better results if the soil is 'goldilocks,' not too heavy, not too light, but just right. 

Peas are best solen where they are to grow. In other words, you're best just showing them straight into the prepared garden bed. 

Root disturbance is always a thing when you're transplanting vegetables, and if they can establish their own root system right from the get go all over, they grow better.

 
Sow the seeds close together about an inch or two apart max to allow for a loss of crop from insects or rodents gnawing them off. Because even if half make it, you will still have a good crop. 

But if they all make it and that's what's happened here, well then all the better, because they don't mind growing close together. 

And the more you get in there, the bigger harvest you gonna get. Don't over-water at the start, but then start watering regularly once the peas have germinated. 

This is a lush crop and you don't wanna stress the plants out through under watering, because all that will happen if the plants won't grow as well for a start, 

but the actual fruit or the gods themselves won't be as crunchy and tasty to eat. 

On the other hand, you don't wanna over-water either. Otherwise you could rot the roots. It's easy to know if your snow peas need a little water because the foliage will start to wilt, especially in the heat of the day. 

So if you notice any slight wilting, the crop probably needs water. But the best way is the old finger test. where you stick the finger into the soil at about the second knuckle, and if it comes up totally dry, well, then you now that the plants need a bit of a drink. 

Try to water pea plants at the base. And this will help to limit the spread of fungal diseases that like a moist environment or rely on spores spreading through water droplets. This variety of snow pea is called an Oregon Dwarf. 

Not because of the size of the pods, but because of the size of the vine. It can get between one to one and a half metres tall, whereas other types of snow pea varieties can get up to two meters. 

This particular variety is well-suited to our raised tunnel trellis. And also because we're growing some other plants in the middle here, they still have an opportunity to catch the morning and afternoon sun as it passes over.

Where And When To Grow in Peas Farming

I reckon a trellis like this is the perfect place for snow peas to grow. 

Not only can you get access to both sides for easy pod picking, but this type of structure, being a strong metallic frame allows the peas to secure themselves, weave in and out and attach to the trellis with their tendrils. 

Also growing snow peas this way allows for better aeration or airflow through the vines .And this helps to limit the humidity and moisture build up, which in turn dramatically reduces common leaf diseases, such as powdery mildew. 

Peas are fickle plants and are susceptible to wind damage. Especially at this time a year here in our winter time, when we get lots of windy and dusty dyes. Growing them on a strong trellis like this is helpful. 

But I also like to use some twine and secure the plants. Flash against the trellis and what this does it prevents any strong wind or gust from bending the plants over and causing crop damage. 

Peas grow quite well in pots too if space is a problem. Lock on a balcony. Snow peas hate the heat and humidity. 

Some people say the name snow peas was derived from the fact that it can with stand some lot snow and frost, making them a good early crop to grow in cooler climates before it gets too hot. 

Then in autumn, as the humidity and heat fades, you can possibly get another crop in before winter hits. In warmer climates like mine, and the sun has just come out appropriately, we like to sow in mid to late autumn. 

And that's because the heat and humidity has somewhat dissipated. Then we can sow all winter, timing the last crop to mature at about mid spring when it starts to get too hot and humid for them again.

Nutrition and fertilizer in Peas Farming 

People often have the misconception that because peas can manufacture their own nitrogen, they can be grown in fairly poor soils without a problem. 

This is not true at all. Peas love a good quality medium with lots of nutrients gain through organic matter like manures, composts and marshes. 

Yes, it is true that snow peas make their own nitrogen fertiliser practically out of thin air, which is pretty on pea-leavable, and growing snow peas with leafy greens like this beetroot here, and the celeriac in the middle is beneficial for these crops because what happens is, 

The peas use a bacteria that helps it to fix nitrogen into the soil at the root zone, which these plants can then access. So not only can the peas help a successive crops that is grown in the same bed after them, but they can also even feed plants that are intercropped at the same time. 

And the last point about nutrition is fading pea plants throughout the growing season, say a mid season fade as you would with other crops. Isn't usually necessary, especially if you've prepared the bed properly in the first place. 

Pest And Disease in Peas Farming 

Now I've already mentioned quite a few s and points on pest and disease in this blog. But here just a few more tonight, try not to spray peas ever and at all if you can help it. 

Because you can see here it's flowering, and it's got fruit, and this is perpetual, it just keeps on producing. So there's no real window of opportunity where you can spray and then not hurt bees and other pollinating or good insects. 

The benefits you think you get out of regular spraying as a preventative are nowhere near the damage that it causes to the ecosystem and your plant in the long term. Peas will naturally die back towards the end of life. 

So don't be concerned if your flourishing and producing plants begin to wither with leaf diseases towards the end of the season or after the peak of pea pod production. 

Because that's normal and that's a lot of peas in a row, but seriously, you shouldn't really need to use a fungicide. And if you believe you've done everything right, and the healthy plants are getting hit prematurely with fungal diseases, try the old milk mixed with water remedy first. 

Half water, half milk, mix them together, spray them on the plants. And that usually helps against fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Having said that there are viruses that can usually be spread by insects, such as aphids, that can quickly disseminate a pea crop. 

So if you find your crops suddenly dying back, literally within days, then it might be prudent to cut your losses, rip them out and start again, especially if it's early in the season. And I would advise to keep an eye out for aphids. 

Because aphids are one of the key insects that spread those viruses and they will target the new young shoots of pea plants. 

So if you see them, spray them with a bee friendly pest oil at a time when the bees aren't flying around and you should be able to get on top of them quick smart. 

Harvesting in Peas Farming 

How long to harvest? Well, we started harvesting our first podcast around the nine week mark. But they've started pumping now at the 11th week mark, full of pods as you can see, and also heaps of flowers. 

So let's get into harvesting this crop and see how many we can get. I've got my bowl and my scissors. And the reason why I like using a scissors is because what you can do, is you just cut it off at the flower in there.

And it's nice and easy, rather than pulling on the vine, because what that can do is damage those fickle stems. And you don't wanna do that, because you can see there's plenty more flowers and more smaller ones to come after this.(cutting)Well, that's one. 

So I'd nearly done, with the hall in side to go yet, and it looks like I'm gonna need another bowl. 

That took a lot longer than I expected. And I'm sure I've missed quite a few peas too here. Wow What a pea hole. Here's the thumbnail there. 

Few more points on harvesting. Harvest regularly to produce more flowers and fruit. I expect we should get several more big harvest out of our crop yet over the coming weeks. 

Leave some to mature. Yes snow peas are best eaten immature, and as a pod, because if you leave them mature, they get stringy and not as nice to eat. 

However, the peas inside certainly are good eating. So shelling them like regular peas is totally fine to do. 

And although a packet of snow peas, isn't gonna break the bank. 

You can let your crop mature totally, dry out, and get those pods and reuse those seeds for sowing next season. 
And speaking of, white and peas and packets and price, something like this, I'm guessing, cause my arm is getting sore and I'm a fairly big fella. 

I reckon this weighs about two, probably two kg, maybe two and a half at the going rate, at about 50 a kilo for snow peas. 
You get what I'm saying? I've well, and truly got back my 5 packet of  seeds and that's just one harvest. 

That's what I'm talking about. Snow peas in the pods don't keep very well. They will last a few weeks in the crisper, no problems at all. 

Nice cold crisper, eat them there, they'll keep the nutrition, they'll keep that crunch and they'll slowly get a bit rubbery and no good. You can blanch them also in boiling hot water for a few minutes and then freeze them individually before packing them away. 

They'll last a couple of months in the freezer, but they still won't be as nice, as eating fresh like this. There is one other way that is the best way I reckon to preserve them. And that is through lacto fermentation. 

What you can do is you can ferment them in a brine on their own like this, so you can mix the main with other types of vegetables like broccoli, kale, cabbage, and make like a mixed fermented sauerkraut type of thing out of them. 

But the beauty of lacto fermentation means, it doesn't just preserve them, preserve the crunch, preserve the nutrition, it actually enhances the nutrition by inoculating with those lactobacilli are bacteria, 

Which is so good for our body, in particular, our stomachs. So that's why I love fermenting them, and that is my preferred way to preserve snow peas.

Irrigation in Green Peas Farming

In green peas Farming irrigation is necessary to avoid the development of diseases and low yield. In general, green peas cultivation requires 2 to 3 irrigation, but this also depends on season and variety. 

In rainy season, it needs to be reduced to 1 to 2 irrigation with low frequency. In Irrigation, irrigation water should be at a minimum of 2.0 to 2.5 gallons per plant and at a maximum of 3.0 gallons per plant. 

Usually Pulse crops requires higher water percentage than other variety, which is 3.5 to 4.5 gallons per plant.

What is good soil for growing peas

A good, well-drained soil for growing peas can be found in areas where the soil is loamy and not too acidic.

 A pH of 6.0-6.5 is best. The soil should also be rich in nutrients and have a high amount of organic matter. 
Peas need at least a pH of 6.0-6.5. 

If the soil is too alkaline, the crop will not grow properly. 

There is also a risk of pod rot. The pH of the soil should be  tested prior to growing the peas. 

What is the best time for planting peas 

There are a lot of factors to consider when you're planning to plant peas. Many factors including the location of the area, the time of year, the variety, the type of soil and the weather all come into play. 

When deciding when to plant peas, the best time is between March and June. When planting your peas, you should plant them 4 inches deep and 2 inches apart. You should also have 2 feet between plants. The ideal temperature for peas is 60 degrees. 

How to grow peas crops in low-lying areas

Peas are a common type of vegetable that can be grown in a wide range of soils. This crop will grow well in loamy soil, and it is important to note that the soil must be well-drained. 

When growing pea crops, water must be controlled and the seed should not be allowed to overwater. When planting peas, it is important to do it in the spring or early summer, when the soil is cooler. 

This will help the plants to grow better, and it will also help them to resist diseases better. It is important to know how long the pea crop will take to mature, so the gardeners can pick the crops when they are ready. 

When should the crop be planted

When should you plant your peas? It is best to plant your peas when the weather is sunny and warm. 

When the weather is cold, the seeds might not germinate and might be killed by frost. 

The best time to plant in India is in winter. It is best to sow every two to three weeks. However, if you want a constant and fresh supply of peas in your garden, it is best to sow every two to three weeks.

How deep should the pea seedlings be planted

The depth at which you plant your peas depends on the type of pea. 

Tomatoes are generally planted at a depth of 0.75 inches while peas are planted at a depth of 1.5 to 2 inches. Before planting, the ground should be leveled and prepared with a layer of compost. 

Most Green Peas Production States in India-

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed our article about when to start planting peas. In all honesty, this is something we are still learning about, but we hope that the information we provided has helped you in some way. 

If you have any other questions about when to start planting peas, please get in touch with us by visiting Hi Daddy Info.

Must Read

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Table of Content

• Soil preparation for Peas Farming
• Nutrition and fertilizer in Peas Farming 
• Pest And Disease in Peas Farming 

FAQ

What is Hindi Name of Green Peas ?

Muttar, Batani, Matar, Bhatani, Pacha pattani, Matara.

What is Hybrid Varieties of Green Peas in India ?

Early Bejar, Bonevilla is hybrid varieies.

What Space need for Green Peas sowing ?

Flat bed layout should be used with gap of 45 cm X 25 cm.