Holly's Homestead — Legume
Peas
Pisum sativum · Legume family
DIFFICULTY Easy
TYPE Annual, direct sown, cool season
MATURITY 55–70 days
TYPE Annual, direct sown, cool season
MATURITY 55–70 days
Sun
Full–part sun
Water
Regular
Soil pH
6.0–7.5
Spacing
5–8cm × 45cm
Depth
2–3cm
01Nitrogen fixers
Like all legumes, peas host bacteria in root nodules that pull nitrogen from the air into the soil — a genuine benefit to whatever's planted after them.
02Planting
Method
Direct sow along a trellis, fence, or netting for climbing types.
Soil
Well-drained, moderately fertile — too rich and you get leaf over pods.
Timing
Sow in cooler months; peas dislike summer heat.
03Growing care
- Provide support at planting — climbing types need it early.
- Water regularly, especially once flowering begins.
- Pick often to keep production going.
- Leave roots in the ground after harvest to release fixed nitrogen.
04Problems
- Powdery mildew — humid weather; improve airflow, water at the base.
- Pea weevil — notched leaf edges; generally cosmetic, tolerate.
- Poor pod set — heat stress; grow in the cooler part of the year.
- Birds — net young seedlings, which are a favourite target.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Pods are plump and glossy but not bulging tight.
Method
Pick with two hands to avoid tearing the vine.
Curing
None needed.
Storage
Fridge a few days; freezes very well.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
CarrotCucumberCornRadishAvoid nearby
OnionGarlicRotation note
Follow with heavy feeders like brassicas to use the fixed nitrogen.