Pick shelling peas when pods are full and rounded but before the peas inside become tough and starchy. Harvest snap peas when pods first start to fatten but aren’t completely full. Some varieties have a tough string along the pod suture that must be removed before eating the entire pod. Harvest snow peas when pods are still flat and the seeds inside are small and undeveloped. If the peas inside enlarge too much, harvest and shell them similar to English peas.
Pea Plant Care
Because peas are cool-season plants, they need to be planted in early spring a couple of weeks before the last expected spring frost in your area. Start them from seed and plant them directly into the garden; you don’t need to worry about starting them early indoors. Like most vegetables, peas do best in a spot with full sun (at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light per day). Water peas regularly to keep the soil moist but not wet and soggy. If your yard has clay soil, amending liberally with organic matter can help produce better harvests and reduce the chance of seeing root rot in periods of wet weather. You can also grow peas in containers or raised beds to offer the conditions they need to thrive. Growing them in containers or raised beds makes them easier to harvest, too, as you don’t need to bend down as far to pluck the pods from the plants. Like many legumes, peas are able to produce their own nitrogen with the help of beneficial bacteria in the soil, so they don’t typically require much fertilization. Once summer heat arrives, pea plants naturally begin to decline. Once plants begin to yellow, remove the plants, add them to the compost pile, and plant heat-loving vegetables in their place. Tip: Peas can also be planted as a fall crop in areas that typically see long, cool fall seasons.
