Field guide
How to grow peas: planting, care, and harvest guide
Peas typically reaches first harvest in 55–70 days. This guide covers when to plant by USDA zone, common pests, harvest cues, and companion plants where relevant.
Open plannerWhen to plant peas by USDA zone group
- USDA Zones 1–4 — May to June
- USDA Zones 5–6 — March to May
- USDA Zones 7–8 — February to April
- USDA Zones 9–10 — January to March
- USDA Zones 11–13 — October to January
Companion plants
Good companions: Carrots, Radishes, Sweet Corn, Cucumbers
Avoid planting with: Onions, Garlic
Harvest
When to pick
- Shelling peas: pods are plump, peas fill the pod, bright green
- Snow peas: harvest when flat, before peas develop inside
- Sugar snap: harvest when pods are plump and still bright green and tender
How: Hold the vine with one hand, pull the pod with the other. Pick from the bottom up. Harvest daily in peak season — over-mature peas are starchy.
Storage: Best eaten immediately — sugar converts to starch within hours. Refrigerate for 2-3 days. Blanch and freeze promptly for best quality.
Common pests and problems
Pea Aphids
Signs: Green aphids clustered on stems and pods, sticky residue
Control: Water spray, insecticidal soap. Attract ladybugs.
Powdery Mildew
Signs: White powdery coating on leaves, usually late in the season
Control: Choose resistant varieties. Improve air circulation. Often appears as plants are finishing anyway — may not need treatment.
About this field guide
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