Introduction
Peas are a delightful addition to any home garden, known for their sweet and tender pods that bring a burst of freshness to various dishes. Whether you have a large backyard or a small balcony, growing peas is a rewarding and relatively easy gardening experience. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through step-by-step instructions on how to grow peas in Australia using the metric system and Australian English. From choosing the right pea varieties and preparing the soil to supporting their growth and harvesting, let’s dive into the world of pea cultivation!
Selecting the Right Pea Varieties
Snow Peas (Pisum sativum var. saccharatum):
Snow peas have flat, edible pods with sweet and crunchy peas inside. They are great for stir-fries and salads.
Snap Peas (Pisum sativum var. macrocarpon):
Snap peas have plump and edible pods with crisp, sweet peas inside. They are delicious for snacking and cooking.
Shelling Peas (Pisum sativum var. sativum):
Shelling peas, also known as garden peas, have inedible pods and are grown for their sweet and tender peas. They are perfect for steaming or adding to recipes.
When to Plant Peas in Australia
In Australia, the best time to plant peas varies depending on the climate zones.
For tropical regions, including northern parts of Queensland and Western Australia, peas can be planted during the dry season between May and July. Sub-tropical areas, such as parts of New South Wales and Queensland, are suitable for pea planting in late autumn to early winter, from April to June. In arid regions like central Australia, the ideal planting time is during autumn to early winter, usually between April and June.
In mild climate zones, which encompass parts of Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania, peas can be sown in late autumn to early winter, around April to June. For colder regions like southern parts of Victoria and Tasmania, planting should also occur in late autumn to early winter, generally from April to June.
How Long do Peas Take to Grow?
The time it takes for peas to grow depends on the variety and growing conditions. Generally, peas take approximately 60 to 70 days from planting to harvest. However, this can vary:
- Snow Peas (Pisum sativum var. saccharatum): Snow peas are typically ready for harvest in about 60 to 70 days after planting.
- Snap Peas (Pisum sativum var. macrocarpon): Snap peas are also ready for harvest in approximately 60 to 70 days after planting.
- Shelling Peas (Pisum sativum var. sativum): Shelling peas may take a bit longer to mature, usually around 70 to 80 days from planting to harvest.
Keep in mind that growing conditions, such as temperature, sunlight, water, and soil quality, can influence the growth rate of peas. Regularly monitoring the plants and observing the development of their pods will help determine the best time to harvest for the sweetest and tenderest peas.
Soil Preparation for Peas
Soil Type:
Peas thrive in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. Loose and friable soil allows their roots to penetrate easily.
Soil Enrichment:
Before planting, enrich the soil with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure. This enhances soil fertility, moisture retention, and nutrient availability.
Bed Preparation:
Create raised beds or garden rows to promote proper drainage and prevent waterlogging. Clear the area of weeds and debris, and loosen the soil to a depth of 15-20 cm.
How to Plant Peas
Planting Time:
In most parts of Australia, peas can be sown in autumn and early spring for cooler regions. For warmer regions, it’s best to sow peas in winter to avoid extreme heat.
Spacing:
Sow pea seeds about 5-10 cm apart and 2-5 cm deep. Allow a space of 60-90 cm between rows to accommodate their climbing habit.
Support Structures:
As peas are climbing plants, provide trellises, stakes, or pea netting for them to climb and support their growth.
Watering and Fertilising
Watering:
Peas require consistent moisture, especially during flowering and pod formation. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.
Mulching:
Apply a layer of organic mulch around pea plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a more even soil temperature.
Fertilising:
Peas are nitrogen-fixing plants, meaning they can convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form. However, if your soil lacks fertility, apply a balanced fertiliser according to package instructions.
We just use a manure mix in our gardens and find that it has more than enough nutrients to sustain huge crops of peas.
Supporting Pea Plants
Trellising:
As pea plants grow, guide their tendrils onto the trellis or support structure to help them climb. This ensures proper air circulation and minimises the risk of disease.
Pinching:
Pinch the tips of the main vines when they reach the top of the trellis. This encourages lateral branching and results in more pods
Managing Pests and Diseases
Common Pests:
Watch out for pests such as aphids, slugs, and snails. Monitor your plants regularly and use organic pest control methods if necessary.
Disease Prevention:
To prevent diseases like powdery mildew or root rot, ensure good air circulation around the plants and avoid overhead watering.
How to Grow Peas in Pots
Growing peas in pots is a fantastic option for those with limited garden space or who want to grow peas on a balcony or patio. Follow these steps to successfully grow peas in pots:
- Select a Suitable Pot: Choose a large container with a minimum depth of 30 cm and a diameter of at least 45 cm. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
- Potting Mix: Use a high-quality potting mix that provides good drainage and aeration. Avoid using garden soil, as it may lead to poor drainage in pots.
- Sow Pea Seeds: Sow pea seeds about 3-5 cm deep, spacing them 5 cm apart. You can use either snow peas, snap peas, or shelling peas, depending on your preference.
- Watering: Keep the potting mix consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water the peas regularly, especially during dry periods.
- Support: Peas are climbing plants, so provide a trellis or stakes for them to climb. You can set up the support structure at the time of planting or once the seedlings are a few inches tall.
- Sunlight: Place the pot in a sunny location that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
- Fertilising: Add a balanced liquid fertiliser every two to three weeks to support pea growth.
- Regular Harvesting: Harvest the peas regularly to encourage continuous pod production and to keep the plant productive.
By following these steps, you can enjoy a delicious harvest of homegrown peas even in a limited space.
Harvesting Peas
Timing:
Harvesting time varies depending on the pea variety and climate. Snow peas are usually ready for harvest when the pods are flat, and the peas inside are small and sweet. Snap peas are best harvested when the pods are plump and peas inside are tender. Shelling peas should be harvested when the pods are well-filled, and the peas inside are fully developed but not starchy.
Harvesting Technique:
Gently hold the vine with one hand and use the other hand to pick the peas carefully. Avoid damaging the plant or breaking the vines.
Regular Harvesting:
Harvest peas regularly to encourage continuous pod production. The more you harvest, the more peas the plant will produce.
Saving Pea Seeds
Selecting Seeds:
Choose the healthiest and best-performing pea plants to save seeds from. Allow the selected pods to mature and dry on the plant.
Harvesting Seeds:
Once the pea pods are fully dry, remove the peas and let them air dry for a few more days.
Storing Seeds:
Store the dry pea seeds in a cool, dry place in a labelled envelope or container. Properly saved pea seeds can be used for planting in future seasons.
Conclusion
Growing peas in Australia is a delightful and satisfying experience that rewards you with sweet and flavorful pods straight from your garden. By choosing the right varieties, preparing the soil, providing support, and maintaining proper care, you can cultivate a bountiful harvest of peas throughout the year. Follow this comprehensive guide, and your pea plants will thrive, providing you and your family with a delicious and healthy addition to your meals. Happy pea gardening!