Peas are among the world’s oldest cultivated food crops, with archaeological evidence reaching back thousands of years to the Near East. Their early role as a dependable dried food crop eventually expanded into the tender shelling, snow, and sugar snap peas grown in gardens today.
Shelling peas are grown for the tender seeds inside, snow peas are gathered while the pods remain flat, and sugar snap peas are picked once the pods become plump, crisp, and sweet. Direct sow into cool, workable soil, provide support early, and harvest regularly before summer heat slows flowering.
Growing Guide
Timing
Direct sow peas in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. Young plants tolerate light frost, and peas grow best while temperatures remain cool.
For a longer harvest, make two or three small sowings about one week apart. Peas may also be planted in late summer for a fall crop where the season is long enough for them to mature before hard freezes.
Sowing & Starting
Sow peas directly in the garden about 1 inch deep and 1–3 inches apart, with rows spaced 18–24 inches apart. Plant into moist, well-drained soil rather than cold, waterlogged ground, where seeds are more likely to rot.
Install a trellis or other support before sowing tall or vining varieties so young roots are not disturbed later. Dwarf varieties generally do not require a trellis, though light support can help keep plants upright and make harvesting easier.
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