CULTURE
Peas thrive in cool weather. Yields are usually higher in spring than in midsummer. For best performance, maintain soil fertility and adjust pH to 6.5–6.8 using ground limestone or wood ash, ideally applied in the fall before spring planting. Inoculating seeds promotes the formation of nitrogen-fixing nodules on roots, which improves soil fertility, supports stronger plant growth, and increases yield.
DIRECT SEEDING
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Spring Crop: As soon as the soil can be worked in early spring, sow seeds ½–1" deep, spaced 1½–2" apart. Space rows 18–36" apart. Do not thin after germination.
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Bush types (under 3 ft): Can be grown without support in rows 12–18" apart.
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Tall types: Require supports such as trellis netting or chicken wire. Install supports at planting time, with the bottom edge just above seedlings. Standard row spacing is 4–6 ft for trellised peas.
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Fall Crop: Select early-maturing, powdery mildew-resistant varieties. Sow about 2 months before the expected first frost. Adequate watering is essential for good germination.
SEEDING RATE
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1 lb per 80 ft
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13 lb per 1,000 ft
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272 lb per acre (at 25 seeds/ft in rows 24" apart)
DISEASE MANAGEMENT
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Pea root rot (Fusarium spp. or Aphanomyces euteiches): Causes yellowing and dieback from the base upward. Prevent with well-drained soil and crop rotation (avoid legumes for at least 3 years).
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Powdery mildew: Appears as white mold on leaves, stems, and pods during hot weather. Control by choosing resistant varieties.
HARVEST
Harvest pods when peas have enlarged inside but are still tender. Frequent picking encourages continued production.
TREATED SEEDS
Treated seeds are less likely to rot in cold, wet soils. They are marked with a "T" in their product number.
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