Pea Investigation

Since babies and children have eaten a good portion of my brain, I decided to devote an informational space for each crop/plant. I am going to put all my info in one spot, so that I can look it up when needed.

So peas, I am talking about snap peas in particular. Not a great fan of peas, but I can do a sugar snap pea. And sweet peas are so lovely.

Overview:
Peas are nifty in that they make their own nitrogen, so it improves the soil as it grows. Rotation is a good idea so that it will improve the soil throughout the bed. Rotation is also helpful to avoid root maggots. Grows best in bright light, but will tolerate a bit of shade. Benefits from compost added at planting time, spray young plants with liquid seaweed, for a nitrogen boost. In the past I have used a trellis for the beans to climb. Giving the bed a good compost layer the fall before the spring plant is helpful. Also, spreading a four inch layer of mulch (use hay or straw) once peas are growing well, will keep the soil cooler and moister, thus lengthening the harvest.

Problemas:
They don't like soggy soil, leads to root or seed rot, do keep an eye out for heavy rain and puddling. Peas burn out as soon as hot weather comes in, shade covers can sometimes help.

When to plant:
Soak hard peas overnight and dip seeds in powdered rhizobia bacteria before planting to increase yields. Direct-sow seeds as soon as soil can be worked. Can plant a second crop in late summer, about three months before first frost.

Spacing:
2-4" apart (for vining)

Harvesting:
Pick snap peas when the pods begin to swell. Should be picked frequently as if they get too big, they are more bitter. Also, it promotes more growth and flowering.

This year I am planting the Amish Snap Pea (Pisum sativum) - SSE:
Pods are 2" and supposedly a heavy producer. My crop last year was weak, I don't think I gave it enough attention, and also wasn't picking it frequently enough. The peas should be harvestable in 60 days. Sow seeds 1/2" to 1" deep with 3" between seed rows. So in SF terms, there will be two per square. I like the idea of using a double-sided trellis, then planting cooler crops - lettuces, spinach, in its shadow (if that makes sense). Saving instructions - Select healthiest plants for seed. ALlow pods to dry on the plant before harvesting and separate seeds by hand. If birds start eating the seeds before the pods are completely dry, then can be harvested slightly green and brought indoors to dry.

Resources:
Grow Great Grub by Gayla Trail
Jamie at Home by Jamie Olier
Four-Season Harvest by Eliot Coleman