How to grow pea
Sow as soon as the soil can be worked. Peas fade fast once days pass about 80°F.
Rotation and family
Pea belongs to the legumes (Fabaceae). Host nitrogen-fixing Rhizobium bacteria in root nodules.
In a four-bed crop rotation it goes in the legume bed. Avoid growing it where any legumes grew in the last three years.
When to plant pea by zone
| Zone | Sow / plant out |
|---|---|
| 3 | Apr 8 – Apr 29 |
| 4 | Mar 31 – Apr 21 |
| 5 | Mar 19 – Apr 9 |
| 6 | Mar 9 – Mar 30 |
| 7 | Feb 25 – Mar 18 |
| 8 | Feb 12 – Mar 5 |
| 9 | Jan 11 – Feb 1 |
| 10 | Dec 21 – Jan 11 |
Based on typical frost dates for each zone; b half-zones run about a week earlier in spring. Zones 11–13 are frost-free in most years.
Pea questions
When should I plant pea?
Plant pea outdoors 6 weeks before your last spring frost.
How far apart should I plant pea?
About 3 inches apart, or 8 per square foot in a square foot garden.
What grows well with pea?
Traditional companions include carrot, cucumber, lettuce, radish, spinach, turnip. Keep it away from chives, garlic, leek, onion.
How long does pea take to grow?
Typically 55–70 days from sowing to first harvest, depending on variety and weather.