When it comes to home gardening, growing peas in pots can be a rewarding and convenient option. Whether you have limited space, enjoy the ease of container gardening, or simply want to add a versatile and nutritious crop to your repertoire, peas are an excellent choice. In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of growing peas in pots, what you need to get started, and the step-by-step process to ensure a bountiful harvest.
Peas can be grown successfully in the ground or in pots. It’s simply a question of space and convenience.
Why Grow Peas in Pots
Space and Convenience:
- Peas grow up and not out, so they don’t require extensive garden space, making them ideal for container gardening.
- Pots allow you to place your pea plants strategically, maximizing sunlight and accessibility.
They Don’t Need Much Space:
- Peas are known for their vertical growth, making them well-suited for trellises or supports in pots.
Relatively Easy to Grow:
- Peas are a beginner-friendly crop, making them an excellent choice for those new to gardening.
What You Need
Large Pot (30cm Deep):
- Choose a pot with sufficient depth to accommodate the pea roots.
Compost:
- Ensure well-draining, nutrient-rich compost for healthy pea growth.
Trellis or Support:
- Peas require support as they grow. Install a trellis or other support system to keep the plants upright.
Pea Seeds:
- Choose high-quality pea seeds suitable for container gardening. Most pea varieties are suitable, just ensure that you have considered how tall the pea plants will grow before you start.
Sun and Water:
- Place the pots in an area that receives plenty of sunlight.
- Ensure regular watering, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
How to Grow Peas in Pots
Fill Pot:
- Fill the pot with compost, leaving space at the top for planting.
Plant Seeds:
- Plant pea seeds according to the package instructions, usually 2 – 5cm (1-2 inches) deep.
Add Support:
- Install a trellis or support structure to help them climb. Do this when you plant the seeds, so that the roots will not be disturbed later.
Water:
- Water consistently, ensuring the soil remains moist, but not wet. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Harvest:
- Peas will emerge within 10 – 14 days of planting (when planted between late Feb and mid April).
- Peas will be ready to harvest from late May through until July, depending on when they were planted.
- Harvest by gently pulling the pod off the plant.
- Harvest regularly to encourage the plant to produce more pods.
Common Problems
Pests:
- Slugs and snails will eat young seedlings, pots can be protected with copper tape or raising them off the ground. Remember slugs like to hide underneath the pots, if there are lots of places for them to hide, they are more likely to cause damage at night.
- Pigeons and birds will eat the emerging leaves, netting can be used to keep them off.
Water Issues:
- When growing in pots, you need to be more mindful of not providing enough water or overwatering. The soil should be consistently moist. Peas in pots will need to be watered more regularly. In periods of heavy rain, make sure that the pot is free draining, don’t leave water sitting in the tray base for long periods of time.
Nutrient Deficiency:
- When growing in pots, plants do not always get enough nutrition. If your peas start to go yellow this is a sign that they are lacking. Begin with a high quality compost to minimise this. And use a balanced fertilizer or mulch on the top of the pot to add nutrition.
FAQ
What Makes Peas Grow Faster?
Adequate sunlight, peas in partial shade will grow more slowly.
Optimal water, peas that are too wet or too dry will preform less well.
Ensure that the compost provided is high quality so that the soil is nutrient rich.
Pick pods regularly to encourage more growth.
How Many Pea Seeds Do You Plant in One Hole?
Follow the seed packet instructions, but a general rule is 2-3 seeds per hole.
In conclusion, growing peas in pots is a practical and rewarding endeavor for gardeners of all levels. By providing the right conditions and care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh, delicious peas right from your own container garden. Happy gardening!