Shelling Peas: A Beginner’s Guide
What Are Shelling Peas?
Shelling peas are a type of pea that needs to have the peas removed from the pod before eating. They’re one of the most popular types of peas to grow, and they go by many other names, including English peas, garden peas, and even sweet peas. However, true sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) are toxic ornamental flowers and should not be eaten.
Planting Shelling Peas
Shelling peas are very easy to grow. In most areas, you can plant them directly in the garden as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring. This is usually about four to six weeks before the average last predicted frost date.
Peas prefer cool weather to grow, so it’s important to plant them early, especially in areas with a short spring season. Choose a well-draining location that gets full sun. Peas germinate best when soil temperatures are around 45 degrees Fahrenheit, so planting early will give them the best chance of success.
Once the peas have germinated, they generally require very little care. They’re cold-tolerant, so you don’t need to worry about late-season frost or snow.
Supporting Shelling Pea Plants
As the days get longer and the weather warms up, peas will start to grow more vigorously and produce flowers. Since most shelling pea varieties are vining plants, they’ll need some support. You can use a trellis system or simply stake the plants.
Popular Shelling Pea Varieties
There are many different varieties of shelling peas available, each with its own unique flavor and growing characteristics. Some popular varieties include:
- Alderman
- Bistro
- Maestro
- Green Arrow
- Lincoln
- Champion of England
- Emerald Archer
- Alaska
- Progress No. 9
- Little Marvel
- Wando
Troubleshooting Common Problems
One of the most common problems with shelling peas is powdery mildew. This fungal disease can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop off. To prevent powdery mildew, make sure to plant your peas in a well-ventilated area and avoid overwatering.
Another common problem is aphids. These small insects can suck the sap from pea plants, causing them to wilt and turn yellow. To control aphids, you can spray the plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Harvesting Shelling Peas
Shelling peas are ready to harvest when the pods are plump and the peas are fully developed. To harvest, simply pull the pods off the vines and remove the peas from the pods. Shelling peas can be eaten fresh, cooked, or frozen for later use.
Additional Tips for Growing Shelling Peas
- Peas are nitrogen-fixing plants, which means they can take nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that plants can use. This makes them a great companion plant for other vegetables, such as tomatoes and peppers.
- Peas are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber.
- If you’re short on space, you can grow peas in containers. Just make sure to choose a container that’s at least 12 inches deep and has drainage holes.