Peas! Peas! Peas!

It's pea-planting time! There are different types of peas, something for everyone!

When my boys were very young they would go out into the garden and graze. They both loved peas right off of the plant, raw and crunchy--one son would even eat the tough, stringy pods, too. All through their teens they would eat raw or frozen peas, never cooked. Today they are in their 30's and I think they tolerate cooked peas, although fresh is best!

Peas are a legume, which means they fix nitrogen in the soil in a way that it benefits other plants. Because of this process peas are considered a "heavy giver". There are other plants that are heavy givers, some that are heavy feeders, and others that are light feeders. This is one reason to rotate various crops in the garden, so that the soil won't be depleted completely. With rotation, the soil can be revived by different crops. Of course, fertilization helps, too.

There are peas for shelling, Chinese pea pods, and edible podded or snap peas. They all grow the same way--either on bush plants, or vines that may need trellising (check the seed packet for instructions of the particular peas purchased).

Plant vining peas 1-2" apart in double rows with a trellis between the rows. Plant bush varieties on 6" centers (6" between each seed, in every direction). Plant the seeds 1" deep and cover with soil. Keep moist until the seeds germinate, 7-14 days. Peas mature in 55-65 days. Peas also tolerate partial shade.

There is a new pea called "Blondie" that is not green, but is a cream color. If you have children that won't eat "green" vegetables, you might try this one!