When to Plant Peas?

When to plant peas? The perfect time for a crunchy harvest

Peas are one of those typical vegetables that remind you of your grandmother's vegetable garden. Fresh green, sweet-tasting, and delicious in all sorts of dishes. But planting them at the right time of year? That's where things can sometimes go wrong. Luckily, we'll give you everything you need to know about the ideal time to plant peas, both in the ground and in a greenhouse.

The best time to plant peas in open ground

Peas love the cool weather. So you don't have to wait for the summer heat. In Flanders, you can start planting in the open ground from late February to early April. Just be sure it's frost-free, and the soil shouldn't be too wet. A rainy day just before planting is ideal, as long as you have enough dry days afterward to prevent the soil from turning to mud. A partly cloudy day is often the best time for this job.

Sow the peas in rows about 40 to 50 cm apart. Make a furrow, place the seeds every five centimeters, and cover them with a 3 to 5 cm layer of soil. Press the soil lightly. In dry weather, water immediately, but not too much – peas like moisture but hate overly wet soil.

Planting peas in the greenhouse

For those who want to get started early, a cold greenhouse (or unheated greenhouse) offers the perfect solution. You can start sowing as early as late January and into February. A major advantage of sowing in a greenhouse is that you protect the young plants from frost and heavy rainfall. Use trays or seed pots and plant them in airy, nutrient-rich soil – just like you would use for other vegetables in your greenhouse.

The temperature in the greenhouse doesn't have to be tropical. Peas actually prefer a cool spot with plenty of light. Once the plants are strong enough and no more frost is forecast, you can transplant them to their final location: in pots, a raised bed, or in the ground outside. Just make sure the temperature stays above 5°C, even at night.

What types of peas are there?

There are several types of peas to choose from – and it pays to know which ones you're growing in your garden. The three most popular varieties are:

• Peas : classics with round seeds. The pods are not eaten.
• Sugar snaps : edible pods with juicy peas inside. Crunchy and sweet.
• Snow peas (or snow peas) : very flat pods that you eat completely, peas included.

For all these varieties, early sowing makes a difference. They don't like scorching sun or drought, so sowing outdoors during the summer months isn't a good idea.

What do you combine peas with in the vegetable garden?

Peas love company, especially root vegetables or leafy greens. Think carrots or lettuce. It's best to avoid onions or leeks besides peas. They require a different soil type and emit substances that peas don't like. Want to know when to plant carrots or onions? Here's a complete guide to onions and shallots .

Tips for healthy pea plants

Healthy soil is key to a good harvest. Peas prefer slightly chalky, well-draining soil. Consider adding some compost or perlite to loosen the structure. Did you know that perlite can also improve the drainage of your potting mix?

Extra tip: peas are climbers. So make sure you have a trellis, wire, or a simple bamboo pole. You'll be happy to give them a helping hand, both literally and figuratively. This also makes harvesting much easier.

After planting: how do you care for peas?

Peas aren't thirsty plants, but they do need regular watering. Water during dry spells, especially when the plants start to flower – that's when they're thirstiest. As with many plants, it's better to water early in the day than in the evening, so the water is absorbed properly.

Don't have a watering can yet? Then check out this practical 1.5-liter Elho watering can . It's ideal for watering multiple plant pots or rows of peas at once.

Interested in plants that also require little attention?

Peas are relatively easy plants to grow, but what about houseplants? Want to add a little greenery to your indoor garden, even if you don't think about plants every day? Then the ZZ plant is one of the strongest candidates on the market. Yucca and Mother-in-law's Tongue are also plants that thrive with minimal watering and attention.

Combine flowers and bee-friendly plants

Peas also bloom, with cheerful white or purple flowers. Want more flowers and color in your vegetable garden? Peas are a perfect complement to perennials. Browse our outdoor plant collection or choose a sturdy hanging plant like Dischidia Pectenoides .

Harvesting: When are your peas ready?

After planting, of course, comes the best part: harvesting. Depending on the variety you've planted, you can harvest between late May and mid-July. Start as soon as the pods feel well-filled but are still juicy. Wait too long? They'll become mealy and less flavorful. So pick regularly—the more you pick, the more the plant will produce.

After harvesting, it's best to leave the plants in the ground until they're completely dry. They return nitrogen to the soil, thus acting as a kind of natural fertilizer for your next crop—like beans , for example, which you plan to plant later.

Conclusion: don't plant your peas too late

Peas are eager to spring, so don't wait until you're ready to get your sunglasses out. Whether you have a small balcony with a greenhouse or a large vegetable garden, a little preparation will ensure an early and delicious harvest. Choose fresh soil, provide some support, and above all: start early.

Want to learn more about other plants and their perfect planting times? Be sure to check out our garden blog, which offers specific tips for each plant species. Pick your own favorites!