When was the last time you felt like you bought the most fresh produce from the market next door? Well, getting the best vegetables and fruits in times of adulteration, chemically produced food, and more is quite difficult. But who said who can only rely on the vegetable vendors or a department store?
Growing your own food is one of the most satisfying activities you can undertake in your home garden. If you are planning to plant a fruit or vegetable in your kitchen garden, peas are known to be an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced gardeners. But before you sow the seeds, here are some tips to get the best peas right in your backyard.
Choosing The Variety
Considering the climate and the variety of peas that will thrive in your local climate is the first step. There are many types of peas like climbing peas, dwarf peas, shelling peas, snow peas, etc. Before you buy a particular type, it is important that you do thorough research about the variety, your soil, and the weather.
Soil And Fertilisers
For the best pea plants, you would require loamy soil whose pH ranges between 6.0 to 7.5. Also, before you sow the seeds, you can prepare the soil by removing any rocks or leftover roots, mixing in manure, and loosening the soil about 12 inches deep. You should also fertilise regularly to fix the nitrogen content in the soil.
Supporting The Plant
Most of the varieties of peas need support to rise from the ground and grow taller. When you see the climbers on the surface, you can use sticks, bamboo poles, or trellises to support them and ensure upward growth.
Regular Watering
Harvesting
Harvesting the pea plant at the right time is as important as any other step like watering and fertilising. Most of the pea pods will be plump after 3 weeks of flowering. Make sure that you harvest the ripe ones at the right time before they begin to rot. Keep an eye on the shape, when you spot a fully round and formed pod, you can take it to your kitchen and enjoy the produce from your home garden.