Peas are a great, versatile vegetable to have on hand. They add bulk to dishes, work as a simple and tasty side, and are rich in vitamins C and E.
WATCH: Risotto With Cevapcici Meatballs, Peas And Bocconcini
How to grow peas in Australia
It depends on the variety you choose, but peas take roughly 10-16 weeks to grow and will be ready to pick roughly starting from 8 weeks after sowing.
Aspect
Plant in full sun. Look for sunny spots in your garden as peas ideally need at least 6 hours of sunshine a day.
Climate
All climates are suitable.
Soil
Peas prefer deep and well-drained soil. Add a well-rotted organic matter before planting.
Water
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not wet and soggy.
Flowering
You will see white flowers first, sometimes pink and purple, followed by green pods.
Fertiliser
Peas are legumes, so they will produce some of their own nitrogen, thus, don’t require much fertilisation. To note: after applying fertiliser, delay harvesting for a few days and remember to rinse well before cooking and eating.
Pests
Snails and slugs can decimate emerging seedlings. Lure them away with a saucer of beer or purchase bait from your local nursery.
Mulch
To help keep the soil moist, apply a mulch, like sugarcane or pea straw, around the base.
Disease
Avoid watering over the leaves to help stop and prevent diseases such as powdery mildew.
Do peas need to climb?
Yes, climbing peas (Snow Peas, Sugarsnap Peas, and Telephone pole Peas) will need a 2m trellis or support to climb up. If you’re looking for a fun feature in your garden, you can also opt for a tent teepee for your peas to climb instead — the kids will love it.
Expert tips
- For the best quality peas, pick them every 2-3 days,
- Once summer arrives these cool-season plants will naturally begin to decline. Remove them and toss them into the compost bin if they start to go yellow.
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