Peas Seed Starting Tips

Sow seed indoors 8 to 6 weeks before the last frost in spring then transplant seedlings to the garden when they are 4 weeks old and a few weeks before the last expected frost; peas can withstand a light frost. Direct sow peas directly in the garden as soon as the soil can be worked in spring or in late summer.

Should you soak pea seeds before planting?
How long do pea seeds take to germinate?
How do you encourage peas to grow?
What month do you plant peas?
Can you use egg cartons to start seeds?
Do peas need full sun?
Why are my pea seeds not germinating?
How many pea seeds are in a hole?
Do pea seeds need light to germinate?
Do pea seeds grow in the cold?
What to grow after peas?

Should you soak pea seeds before planting?

Some pea (Pisum sativum) seeds will look wrinkled. Most of them have hard coats, and all benefit from soaking before planting. Soak them overnight in warm water. This will expedite the germination process.

How long do pea seeds take to germinate?

Peas will sprout in 21 to 30 days if the soil temperature is 38 degrees Fahrenheit and the germination rate, or number of seeds that do sprout, will be low. At temperatures of 65 to 70 F the seeds will sprout within 7 to 14 days and the germination percentage will be in the high 90s for fresh seed.

How do you encourage peas to grow?

Choose an open, weed-free site in full sun. Grow peas in a moist, fertile, well drained soil. Try to dig plenty of well rotted compost into the soil several weeks before sowing to improve soil fertility and help retain moisture. It's best to avoid sowing peas on cold, wet soils as they tend to rot away.

What month do you plant peas?

The key to growing peas is to plant them early enough in spring so they mature while the weather is still cool. This means planting in February, March, or April in most parts of the United States and Canada.

Can you use egg cartons to start seeds?

You can use egg cartons as a seed-starting tray! Depending on the type of carton you have, you can even cut apart the individual sections and plant them, as the carton will biodegrade. Be sure to poke small holes for drainage, and put the cartons on a tray or in a shallow pan to catch any residual water.

Do peas need full sun?

Peas and green beans like cooler temperatures. They need some sun (about four to five hours per day) to produce flowers and pods, but they tend to fade out as the temperature warms. Planting them in a cool shady spot will lengthen your growing season. Bush beans are a better choice for shade than pole beans.

Why are my pea seeds not germinating?

The soil was too wet or too dry:

Too dry, and your seeds won't germinate. Too wet, and they're liable to rot. Ensure that seeds are kept evenly moist by thoroughly wetting and draining the compost before you begin.

How many pea seeds are in a hole?

How to Plant and Space Peas. Sow pea seed 2 inches (5cm) deep, 2 to 3 inches (5-7cm) apart in double rows supported by a trellis, netting, or wire or string supports between two poles for bush varieties. Sow two seeds to each hole.

Do pea seeds need light to germinate?

Germinating pea seeds do not need light to complete the first stage of their growth, all of which takes place below the soil. A small root is the first thing to emerge on one end of the seed, followed by a small sprout bearing two small leaves called a cotyledon.

Do pea seeds grow in the cold?

Pea seeds can tolerate colder temperatures than most garden vegetables. They germinate best when soil temperatures are around 75 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Cornell University, although they can tolerate soil temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

What to grow after peas?

The most popular vegetable to plant after peas is cucumbers, which often can be trained up the same trellis used by the peas. Indeed, members of the squash family quickly make themselves at home in pea soil, and the same is true of root crops like carrots and parsnips.