Peas, with their delicate tendrils and sweet, tender pods, bring a charming and productive touch to any garden. These cool-season vegetables are known for their climbing vines and attractive, white flowers that give way to plump, green pods. Whether you choose shelling peas, snow peas, or snap peas, these plants add a lush and whimsical element to garden beds, trellises, or containers.

In Florida planting zone 9, peas thrive particularly well during the cooler months. The vines quickly climb supports, producing an abundance of pods that are easy to harvest. Watching the vines grow and the pods fill out is a rewarding experience, marking the progress of your gardening efforts.

For those new to gardening, peas are an excellent choice. They are relatively easy to grow and provide a generous harvest of sweet, nutritious pods. Whether you enjoy them fresh, steamed, or in a variety of dishes, peas bring a delightful and healthy addition to your meals, making your gardening endeavors both enjoyable and fruitful.

I would give peas a 5 out of 5 on how easy they are to grow. They are very easy to cultivate and manage, making them perfect for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.

Explanation:

• Start Seeds Inside: Starting pea seeds indoors is not recommended because peas grow best when directly seeded into the garden.

• Direct Seed: Direct seeding peas in the fall ensures rapid establishment and growth in cooler temperatures.

• Transplant Starter Plants: Transplanting pea starter plants in the late fall helps them establish quickly and continue growing without the stress of high temperatures.

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• Soil: Peas prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure.

• Sun: Full sun to partial shade is ideal for peas. In warmer climates, some afternoon shade can help prevent wilting.

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.

• Spacing: Plant pea seeds 2-6 inches apart and space rows 12 inches apart. Provide trellises or supports for climbing varieties.

• Fertilization:
  N-P-K Ratio: Peas benefit from a fertilizer with a lower nitrogen content and higher phosphorus and potassium levels to support root development and pod production, such as
  5-10-10 or 3-4-4.

  When to Add:

  • Before Planting: Apply the fertilizer to the soil before planting seeds to promote strong initial growth.

  • Mid-Growing Season: If needed, reapply the fertilizer lightly mid-season to support continued growth and pod development.

  Application Tips:

  • Follow the directions on the fertilizer package to avoid over-fertilization.

  • Apply the fertilizer evenly around the base of the plants and water thoroughly to help the nutrients reach the roots.

  Additional Tips:

  • Peas are legumes and can fix their own nitrogen from the atmosphere, so excessive nitrogen can lead to lush foliage at the expense of pod production.

  • Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into the soil before planting to improve soil fertility and structure.

  • Ensure that peas receive consistent moisture, especially during flowering and pod formation, to prevent stress and promote even growth.

Blog post on Natural Fertilizers

• Support: Trellising climbing pea varieties can save space and improve air circulation, reducing the risk of disease.

• Harvest:
  Snap Peas are ready to harvest when the pods are plump, crisp, and about 2-3 inches long, typically 60-80 days after planting. The pods should still be tender and edible.

  Snow Peas are ready to harvest when the pods are flat, tender, and about 2-3 inches long, usually 60-80 days after planting. Pick them before the peas inside start to swell.

  Shelling Peas (Garden Peas) are ready to harvest when the pods are full and rounded, but still green and tender, typically 60-80 days after planting. The peas inside should be fully developed but not hard.

By selecting the right pea varieties and following these growing tips, you can achieve a successful and bountiful pea harvest in your Florida garden.

Pests and Diseases that affect the Pea in Florida:

• Aphids: Small insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems, causing curling and yellowing.

• Pea Weevils: Beetles whose larvae feed on the developing seeds inside the pods.

Natural Pest Control

• Fusarium Wilt: A fungal disease that causes yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth.

• Powdery Mildew: A fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves.

• Downy Mildew: A fungal disease that causes yellowing leaves with a fuzzy, grayish growth on the underside.

• Root Rot: A fungal disease that causes decay of the roots, leading to plant death.

Companion Plants

1. Carrot

• Description: Carrots are root vegetables known for their sweet flavor and crunchy texture.

• Growing Season: Fall and spring

• USDA Planting Zone: 2-10

• Special Notes: Carrots prefer loose, well-drained soil.

• How it Helps: Carrots help by breaking up soil, improving aeration and drainage for peas. They also benefit from the nitrogen that peas add to the soil.

2. Radish

• Description: Radishes are root vegetables with a spicy flavor, known for their rapid growth and crunchy texture.

• Growing Season: Fall and spring

• USDA Planting Zone: 2-10

• Special Notes: Radishes can be used as trap crops to attract pests away from more valuable plants.

• How it Helps: Radishes attract flea beetles and aphids, reducing the number of pests that attack peas. This helps to protect the peas from pest damage.

3. Marigold

• Description: Marigolds are bright, sunny flowers that come in a variety of colors including yellow, orange, and red.

• Growing Season: Spring through fall

• USDA Planting Zone: 2-11

• Special Notes: Marigolds release chemicals in the soil that deter nematodes and other soil-borne pests.

• How it Helps: Marigolds help repel nematodes, aphids, and other pests. Their roots release a substance that helps prevent nematodes, protecting pea roots.

4. Lettuce

• Description: Lettuce is a leafy green vegetable known for its crisp texture and mild flavor.

• Growing Season: Fall to spring

• USDA Planting Zone: 2-10

• Special Notes: Lettuce prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

• How it Helps: Lettuce can provide ground cover that helps keep the soil cool and moist around peas. It also does not compete heavily for nutrients with peas.

5. Spinach

• Description: Spinach is a leafy green vegetable known for its nutritional value and fast growth.

• Growing Season: Fall to spring

• USDA Planting Zone: 2-9

• Special Notes: Spinach prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

• How it Helps: Spinach grows quickly and can provide ground cover, helping to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture for peas. It also benefits from the nitrogen that peas add to the soil.

These companion plants help protect peas from pests and diseases while also enhancing the overall health and productivity of the garden.

For peas, here are the vegetable plants that should not be planted nearby:

1. Onions - Can inhibit the growth of peas.

2. Garlic - Similar to onions, garlic can stunt the growth of peas.

3. Shallots - Can negatively affect the growth of peas.

4. Leeks - Compete for nutrients and can inhibit pea growth.

5. Potatoes - Compete for nutrients and can attract similar pests.