How to Grow Peas in Pots: A StepbyStep Guide to Successful Container Gardening
How to Grow Peas in Pots?
To grow peas in pots, use smaller pots or planters.
Peas have a vertical growth habit, so make sure the pots are wide rather than deep.
Use a pot with good drainage, made of a porous material like ceramic.
Prioritize width over depth.
Soak pea seeds in water overnight before planting.
Direct sow the seeds in the pot, spacing them two to three inches apart and covering them lightly.
Provide full sun for about eight hours per day.
Install stakes or other supports for climbing varieties before the root system fills out.
Water the plants with about an inch of water per week, ensuring excess water drains off.
Harvest mature pods often and check for them every two to three days.
Fertilizing is not necessary if seeds have been inoculated, but top dress the soil with compost if nutrients become depleted.
Growing peas in pots may help deter herbivores, and insecticidal soap can be used for aphids while beneficial nematodes can target grubs in the soil.
Powdery mildew can be prevented with a fungicide.
Harvest peas when the pods are plump and the peas are fully formed.
Peas can be stored in the freezer or canned for longer storage.
Key Points:
- Use smaller, wide pots for growing peas in pots
- Soak pea seeds in water overnight before planting
- Direct sow the seeds in the pot, spacing them two to three inches apart and covering them lightly
- Provide full sun for about eight hours per day
- Water the plants with about an inch of water per week, ensuring excess water drains off
- Harvest mature pods often and check for them every two to three days
Did You Know?
1. Did you know that peas have been cultivated for over 5,000 years? Their cultivation can be traced back to ancient civilizations in Egypt and Greece!
2. While peas are commonly associated with cool climates, there are actually varieties that can be grown in tropical regions with higher temperatures.
3. Have you ever wondered why peas taste so sweet? It’s because they contain natural sugars, which are converted into starch as they mature. So, the longer you wait to harvest them, the less sweet they become!
4. Pea plants are fantastic nitrogen fixers. They have the ability to convert nitrogen from the air into a usable form for themselves and other plants nearby. This is why they are often used as a companion plant in gardens, where they can help enrich the soil.
5. Some pea varieties, known as edible-podded or snow peas, are delicious when both the pods and peas inside are consumed. However, the majority of pea varieties have inedible pods, and only the sweet peas inside are typically eaten.
Choosing And Preparing The Right Containers
When it comes to growing peas in pots, choosing the right container is crucial. Smaller pots or planters can be used, as peas have a naturally vertical growth habit. However, it’s important to ensure that the pot is deep enough for the roots to establish and grow. A pot with a depth of 8-12 inches is suitable for growing peas, but keep in mind that width is more important than depth.
In addition to size, the material of the pot is also important. A pot with good drainage, made of a porous material like ceramic, is ideal for growing peas. Unglazed terra cotta containers are particularly beneficial as they absorb and lose moisture, helping to maintain optimal soil moisture levels.
If you’re reusing a planter, it’s important to clean it properly to eliminate any pests, eggs, or pathogens. Scrub the planter with warm, soapy water and then soak it in a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water. This will ensure that your peas have a healthy growing environment.
Planting And Germinating Pea Seeds
Before planting your pea seeds, soak them in room temperature water overnight. This will help to hydrate the seeds and improve their germination rate.
Next, choose a high-quality potting soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 for growing peas in pots. Fresh potting soil is recommended to ensure optimal nutrient availability for the growing plants.
Direct sow the pea seeds in the pot, spacing them two to three inches apart. Cover them lightly with soil, and then water gently to ensure proper moisture penetration.
Peas prefer full sun, so place the pots in an area where they will receive about eight hours of direct sunlight per day. This will help to promote healthy growth and abundant yields.
Providing Proper Support And Care
Improving Support for Peas
As peas are naturally climbing plants, it is important to provide them with proper support as they grow. Installing stakes or other supports early on, before the root system has filled out, will prevent damage. Keep in mind that climbing varieties require more support than bush types, but both benefit from some form of support.
In situations with high humidity, overcrowding can lead to concerns such as powdery mildew. To prevent this, it is recommended to space the plants further apart. Adequate air circulation is essential for preventing fungal diseases.
When watering peas, make sure to provide them with about an inch of water per week. It is important to ensure that excess water drains off. Peas prefer slightly moist soil but can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered.
As temperatures increase outdoors, it is beneficial to add a two- to three-inch-thick layer of shredded mulch to the soil surface. This will help shade and cool the root zone, preventing the soil from drying out too quickly.
To summarize:
- Install support for climbing peas early on to avoid damage.
- Provide adequate spacing to prevent powdery mildew.
- Water peas with about an inch of water per week to maintain slightly moist soil.
- Add a layer of shredded mulch to shade and cool the root zone in hotter temperatures.
Succession Planting For Continuous Harvest
To ensure a continuous harvest throughout the growing season, succession planting of peas can be considered. Start by sowing the first set of seeds about four to six weeks before the average last frost date. Then, sow a second set of seeds about one to two weeks later. This process can be repeated multiple times, allowing for a continuous supply of fresh peas.
Another option is to divide your crops into two separate cool-weather seasons. The spring-sown crops will stop producing in mid- to late-summer. After removing the dead vines, compost them. Utilize the nitrogen-enriched medium to grow leafy greens or start a new crop in the same container.
For the second round of peas, it is advisable to wait until the summer heat has eased. Ensure that there is at least a 50-day period before freezing temperatures set in for maturity. By staggering your plantings, you can enjoy fresh peas for an extended period.
Dealing With Common Pests And Diseases
When growing peas in pots, it is important to be aware of common pests and diseases that may arise. While insects typically do not pose a major threat, it is crucial to manually remove beetles, moths, cutworms, and stink bugs if you spot them. Spraying neem oil or insecticidal soap can effectively control aphids.
Grubs, which are the larvae of pests such as Japanese beetles and weevils, can cause damage to peas in containers. To address this issue, it is advisable to harvest peapods and check the soil for the presence of grubs. You can dispose of them in soapy water or offer them as food to birds. Alternatively, beneficial nematodes can be used to specifically target grubs in the soil.
Another common issue to be aware of is powdery mildew, a disease that affects peas. To prevent its spread, it is recommended to use a preventative fungicide. Additionally, regularly inspect your plants for any signs of distress and promptly take appropriate action, including removing and discarding any dead or dying material.
Harvesting And Storing Peas
As your pea plants mature, harvest the pods when they are plump and the peas are fully formed. This is important to encourage continued production.
Freshly harvested peas can be stored in the freezer for up to six months, allowing you to enjoy the taste of summer all year round. If you prefer canned peas, they can be stored for even longer.
Remember to label your frozen or canned peas with the date of preservation to ensure you enjoy them at their peak flavor.
- Harvest the pods when they are plump and the peas are fully formed
- Store freshly harvested peas in the freezer for up to six months
- Canned peas can be stored for even longer
“Remember to label your frozen or canned peas with the date of preservation.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Do peas need sun or shade?
Peas definitely prefer the warmth and brightness of full sun to reach their full potential. With a daily dose of six to eight hours of direct sunlight, these vibrant plants thrive effortlessly. While peas can tolerate partial shade, their growth might be less vigorous in such conditions. It is crucial to provide them with the optimal environment they crave for bountiful harvests.
In addition to sunlight, peas also appreciate rich and well-drained soil with a slightly neutral pH. A pH level between 6 and 7.5 is ideal for these delightful legumes to flourish. By ensuring they have these key elements, the peas will be on their way to becoming healthy and productive additions to your garden.
How deep do pots need to be for peas?
To ensure healthy growth, pea plants require planters that are at least 8 inches deep but can go up to 18 inches deep. Despite not having extensive root systems, it is still essential to plant peas about 1 to 2 inches deep in the soil and maintain a minimum spacing of 1 inch between each seed. This depth allows peas to establish strong roots while providing enough room for their above-ground growth.
How do you grow perfect peas?
To grow perfect peas, it is important to choose a cool spring for sowing as peas thrive in cooler weather. However, be cautious of sowing in excessively damp soil to prevent seed rotting. For taller varieties, spacing the seeds 7.5cm (3in) apart in either a single row or a double row with 30cm (1ft) between them (for support) is recommended. This allows optimal growth and ensures that the peas have sufficient space to develop into the perfect crop.
Do peas need to climb?
Yes, peas need to climb in order to maximize their growth and productivity. Both bush peas and climbing peas benefit from some kind of support. Even though bush peas are shorter, they will still flop on the ground if not provided with something to climb on. Climbing peas, on the other hand, can reach impressive heights of 6 to 8 feet and require a sturdy trellis to support their growth. Providing the appropriate support allows peas to take full advantage of available space, improves airflow, and helps prevent disease by keeping the plants off the ground.
