How to Save Pea Seeds: A Guide for Gardeners
How to Save Pea Seeds?
To save pea seeds, start by ensuring you have open-pollinated varieties, as hybrids do not produce offspring with the same traits as the parent plant.
Open-pollinated varieties will produce plants identical to the parent, as long as they are mated with the same breed and do not cross-pollinate with other varieties of the same species.
Plant your peas in an open, sheltered position on moisture-retentive, deep, and free-draining soil.
Provide support with a trellis made of thick wire panels, bamboo, chicken wire, or twine.
Peas can be harvested at different stages, including snap/green, shelling, and dry.
To save the seeds, wait until the pods are dry, brown, and brittle.
Break open the pods to release the seeds and separate them from the chaff.
Air-dry the seeds for about six weeks before storing them in a cool, dark, and dry location in an airtight container.
Pea seeds can remain viable for 3-4 years if properly stored.
Key Points:
- Use open-pollinated varieties, not hybrids, to save pea seeds.
- Plant peas in a suitable location with moisture-retentive soil.
- Provide support for the plants with a trellis.
- Harvest peas at different stages: snap/green, shelling, and dry.
- Wait for pods to dry, brown, and become brittle before saving seeds.
- Store the seeds in a cool, dark, and dry place in an airtight container for up to 3-4 years.
Did You Know?
1. Did you know that peas are actually known as a fruit, not a vegetable? The reason for this classification is due to the presence of seeds within their pod, just like other fruits, such as apples or oranges.
2. Peas have a fascinating historical significance. Back in the 16th century, the Hapsburg dynasty ruled many European territories. They considered peas to be a symbol of wealth, prestige, and power. In fact, they even wore pea blossoms or small branches as a sign of their noble status.
3. Have you ever heard of the term “pigeon pea”? Pigeon pea, also known as “Cajanus cajan,” is a type of legume that is often used in Indian cuisine. Interestingly, it gets its name from its heavy reliance on pigeons for pollination in its native habitats.
4. Peas have a surprising role in agriculture. Farmers often plant peas as a cover crop to help improve the overall soil quality. These cover crops not only add organic matter and nitrogen to the soil, but they also help control weeds and prevent erosion.
5. Lastly, did you know that peas have an official celebration day? In Sweden, June 6th is designated as National Pea Soup Day. This tradition dates back to the 1700s when the Swedish navy’s sailors were served pea soup as a nutritious and filling meal onboard their ships. Today, Swedes celebrate this day by enjoying a bowl of traditional pea soup with pancakes, known as “ärtsoppa och pannkakor.”
Understanding Open-Pollinated Varieties
Saving seeds from pea plants can be a rewarding experience for gardeners. However, it is important to understand the difference between open-pollinated and hybrid varieties when it comes to seed saving. Hybrids, which are the result of crossbreeding different parent plants, generally do not produce offspring with the same traits as the parent plant. On the other hand, open-pollinated varieties will produce plants identical to the parent. This means that saving seeds from open-pollinated varieties ensures that the next generation of plants will retain their distinct characteristics.
The Seed Savers Exchange is an organization that offers only open-pollinated varieties. By selecting open-pollinated varieties from their catalog, gardeners can be confident that the seeds they save and plant will be true-to-type generation after generation. It is important to note that to maintain the purity of open-pollinated varieties, they should not cross-pollinate with other varieties of the same species. Cross-pollination can lead to the mixing of genetic traits and a loss of the desired characteristics of the parent plant.
Knowing the specific name (genus and species) of the plants you are growing can help determine if cross-pollination is possible. Some species of plants are known to cross-pollinate, while others are predominantly self-pollinating. Researching the cross-pollination habits of your plants can help you make informed decisions about saving and preserving the purity of their seeds. A valuable resource for learning more about seed saving is the book “The Seed Garden: The Art and Practice of Seed Saving,” which provides detailed instructions on how to collect and save seed from heirloom and open-pollinated plants.
Tips For Saving Pea Seeds
To save seeds from pea plants, gardeners need to follow a few key steps. First and foremost, it is important to ensure that the plants have the necessary support. Pea plants require a trellis for proper growth and development. Thick wire panels, bamboo trellises, chicken wire, or twine can be used to provide the necessary support for the pea vines.
When it comes to planting peas for seed saving, it is best to choose an open, sheltered position with moisture-retentive, deep, and free-draining soil. The seeds should be planted at a depth of ½-1 inch and spaced 2-3 inches apart. It is recommended to space the pea plants at least 18 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and reduce the risk of disease.
Peas should be sown outdoors when the soil temperatures are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to note that pea plants can be affected by pests such as pea moths, pea thrips, and mice. Using crop covers can help protect the plants from moths and minimize the damage caused by pests.
Trellising And Growing Peas
Trellising for Successful Growth of Pea Plants
Trellising plays a crucial role in ensuring the successful growth of pea plants. These plants have vines that require a sturdy support system to climb and thrive. By providing this support, trellising not only keeps the plants upright but also enhances air circulation, preventing diseases caused by excessive moisture.
Gardeners have several options when it comes to choosing a trellis for their pea plants. They can opt for thick wire panels, bamboo trellises, chicken wire, or twine. Regardless of the choice, the trellis should provide the necessary structure for pea vines to grow and produce an abundant harvest of pods. It is advisable to install the trellis before planting the pea seeds to avoid damaging the delicate young plants.
To ensure optimal growth, peas should be grown in an open and sheltered position. This provides them with the right amount of sunlight and protection from strong winds. Additionally, the soil they are planted in should be moisture-retentive, deep, and free-draining. Regular watering is highly recommended, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil moist.
Key Points:
- Trellising is essential for successful pea plant growth
- Choose a suitable trellis option: thick wire panels, bamboo trellises, chicken wire, or twine
- Install the trellis before planting to avoid damaging young plants
- Peas thrive in open, sheltered positions with adequate sunlight and protection from winds
- Soil should be moisture-retentive, deep, and free-draining
- Regular watering is crucial, particularly during dry spells
“Trellising not only helps to keep the plants upright but also facilitates air circulation and prevents diseases caused by excessive moisture.”
- Bullet points can be used to highlight key information and improve readability.
Harvesting And Storing Pea Seeds
Peas can be harvested at different stages depending on their intended use. Snap peas should be harvested when the pods are tender, before the seeds start to swell. Shelling peas, on the other hand, should be harvested when the pods are tender and the seeds are plump. Dry peas are ready for harvest when the pods are dry and brittle, and the seeds have hardened.
To save pea seeds, it is important to allow the pods to mature and dry on the vine. Once the pods have dried and the seeds have hardened, they can be harvested. Gardeners can also pull up the plants and hang them in a cool, dry place until the pods turn brown and dry, if the pods are not completely dry on the vine.
To separate the seeds from the dry pods, simply break them open. It is essential to pick brown pods from the vines and remove the seeds. The seeds should then be separated from any remaining plant material or chaff.
After harvesting, the pea seeds need to air-dry for approximately six weeks to ensure they are completely dry and ready for storage. Proper storage is crucial to maintain the viability of the seeds. It is recommended to store the seeds in a cool, dark, and dry location. Using an airtight container will help prevent moisture and humidity from affecting their quality.
Under appropriate conditions, pea seeds can remain viable for 3-4 years. To maintain variety diversity and prevent the loss of desired traits, it is advisable to save seeds from 5-10 plants, ensuring a continuous supply of seeds.
Maintaining Seed Variety Diversity
Maintaining the diversity of pea seed varieties is crucial for preserving their unique characteristics. To achieve this, it is essential to separate different varieties of peas by 10-20 feet when saving seeds. This distance reduces the chances of cross-pollination between the varieties and helps to maintain their purity.
When saving seeds, it is advisable to save seeds from multiple plants within a variety. Saving seeds from 5-10 plants will help ensure that the genetic diversity of the variety is preserved and increases the chances of healthy, vigorous plants in the next generation.
By saving and sharing seeds, gardeners play a vital role in maintaining a diverse and resilient seed pool. Through the conservation of plant diversity, gardeners contribute to food security, ecological resilience, and the beauty of our natural world.
Additional Resources For Seed Saving And Legume Crops
For those interested in learning more about seed saving and legume crops, there are several valuable resources available. One such resource is a webinar specifically focused on pollination, threshing, and winnowing for legume seed saving. This webinar can provide additional guidance and knowledge on the intricacies of saving legume seeds.
In addition to webinars, there are numerous books and online resources available to help gardeners navigate the world of seed saving. One highly recommended book is “The Seed Garden: The Art and Practice of Seed Saving“. This book offers detailed instructions on how to collect and save seed from heirloom and open-pollinated plants. It serves as a comprehensive guide for gardeners looking to deepen their understanding of seed saving and expand their skills in this important practice.
Legume crops, including beans, soybeans, and peas, are particularly well-suited for seed saving in the garden. These crops are known for their ease of cultivation and relatively straightforward seed-saving techniques. By saving seeds from legume crops, gardeners can contribute to the preservation of these important food sources and help maintain the genetic diversity of our agricultural systems.
In conclusion:
- Saving pea seeds is a rewarding endeavor that allows gardeners to preserve unique varieties and contribute to seed diversity.
- By understanding the distinction between open-pollinated and hybrid varieties and following the recommended practices for trellising, growing, harvesting, and storing pea seeds, gardeners can enjoy a continuous supply of high-quality seeds.
- Additionally, resources such as webinars and books provide valuable information and guidance for those interested in furthering their knowledge of seed saving and legume crops.
- Through these efforts, gardeners play a vital role in protecting our plant heritage and ensuring the resilience and sustainability of our food systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you dry pea seeds for next year?
To dry pea seeds for the next year, it is crucial to ensure the seeds are completely dry before storing them. If you encounter frost and need to harvest the plants, it is recommended to cut the plants whole and allow them to dry in a non-freezing, well-ventilated area. It is important to avoid humid environments as the harvested pods will not dry properly in such conditions. By providing the right drying conditions, you can ensure that the seeds mature and are ready for storage.
How do I save my seeds?
To save your seeds, it is recommended to first dry them thoroughly before storing. A suitable storage location could be a dark closet in a cooler area of your house or a dry and cool basement, both of which provide ideal conditions for preserving seeds for a year or two. Alternatively, you can seal the dried seeds in airtight containers and keep them in the refrigerator or freezer, extending their lifespan for several years. Interestingly, certain crop seeds naturally have a longer life expectancy, making them even more suitable for long-term storage.
How do you protect pea seeds?
Another effective method to protect pea seeds is by using physical barriers. You could cover the planted seeds with a wire mesh or place a netting over them, creating a deterrent for pests such as mice. Additionally, companion planting can help protect pea seeds naturally. Planting aromatic herbs like mint or rosemary near the peas can help repel pests and discourage them from accessing the seeds.
How do you dry and preserve peas?
Preserving peas can be done by drying them. To dry shelled peas, first, preheat your oven or food dehydrator to a temperature between 130°F to 140°F. After preparing, blanching, and draining the peas, make sure to pat them dry before placing them on the drying trays. Leave them to dry until they rattle. Once cooled completely, store the dried peas in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for a maximum of 2 months.