Planting peas is one of the first steps to enjoying a tasty and nutritious harvest in your garden. This crop doesn’t require complicated conditions, but following certain rules ensures abundant yields. Knowing when and how to sow peas properly helps you avoid losses and optimize care. In this article, Baltimore Chronicle’ll cover all the essential aspects of growing peas—from choosing the right time and place to expert care tips. Learn how to increase your harvest and avoid common mistakes.
When to Plant Peas: Optimal Timing
Pea sowing depends on regional climate, soil type, and the chosen variety. The best time is early spring, as soon as the soil warms up.
- In southern Ukraine (Kherson, Odesa regions) — from mid-March.
- In central Ukraine — early to mid-April.
- In northern and western regions — late April or early May.
The main indicator is soil temperature. It should be at least +4…+6 °C. Peas tolerate short-term frosts, so early sowing often leads to better results.
Sowing According to the Lunar Calendar
Many gardeners consider moon phases important. The best days are during a waxing moon, especially in favorable zodiac signs—Cancer, Taurus, Pisces. Avoid sowing during the full moon or lunar eclipses.
Choosing a Pea Variety
Variety selection significantly affects yield, flavor, and disease resistance. There are many types of peas, differing in ripening time, seed size, and stem height.
Main types:
- Shelling peas — develop tough pods, good for storage and processing.
- Sugar peas — produce sweet, tender pods suitable for fresh eating.
- Wrinkled peas (marrowfat) — known for sweet flavor and soft texture.
Popular varieties in Ukraine:
- Amigdor (sugar, early)
- Alfa (shelling, very early)
- Giant (high-yield, mid-season)
- Dinga (marrowfat, sweet)
Soil Preparation Before Planting Peas
Peas are not picky about soil, but they thrive in light loamy or chernozem soils with neutral pH. The soil should be loose, well-drained, and rich in phosphorus and potassium.
What to do before planting:
- Dig the plot in autumn or early spring.
- Add compost or humus (3–5 kg per m²).
- Mix in superphosphate (30–40 g/m²) and potassium salt (15–20 g/m²).
- Lime the soil if it’s acidic.
Avoid fresh manure—it may cause root rot.
How to Plant Peas: Step-by-Step Instructions
Following the correct sowing technique is key to good seed germination.
Main steps:
- Soaking the seeds. Soak peas in warm water a day before planting to speed up germination.
- Preparing furrows. Make furrows 3–5 cm deep and 20–25 cm apart.
- Sowing. Place seeds 5–6 cm apart. Cover with soil and lightly press down.
- Watering. Water the soil if it’s dry. Avoid waterlogging.
- Mulching. If needed, cover the rows with straw or peat to retain moisture.
Caring for Pea Crops
Proper care ensures strong seedlings and abundant fruiting.
Key care tasks:
- Watering. Peas need regular moisture, especially during flowering and pod formation.
- Hilling. Once seedlings reach 10–15 cm, mound the soil around them.
- Support. For tall varieties, use trellises or nets.
- Loosening. Loosen the soil after rain or watering to allow air to reach roots.
- Weeding. Remove weeds frequently as they hinder young plants’ growth.
Common Mistakes When Growing Peas
Even experienced gardeners sometimes make mistakes that reduce yield.
Most common mistakes:
- Sowing too deep (over 6 cm)
- Sowing in compact, dry soil
- Not watering enough during flowering
- Planting near onions or garlic (incompatible crops)
- Using fresh manure
Avoiding these pitfalls helps preserve and boost your harvest.
When and How to Plant Peas in Different Regions of Ukraine
| Region | Planting Period | Sowing Depth | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Ukraine | March 15–31 | 3–5 cm | Mulching recommended to retain moisture |
| Central Ukraine | April 1–15 | 4–5 cm | Ideal for marrowfat varieties |
| North and West | April 15 – May 5 | 4–6 cm | Light covering material may be needed initially |
When to Harvest Peas
Peas ripen depending on the variety—usually 50–70 days after sowing. Harvest in several rounds as pods mature.
Signs of readiness:
- Juicy pods with full peas
- Bright green color with no yellowing
- A crisp snap when pressed
Sugar varieties need frequent harvesting—they harden quickly.
Earlier we wrote about how to properly plant blackberries in spring and fall.