Pea Magnolia Blossom - Renee's Garden

START SEEDS OUTDOORS

In early to mid-spring, plant peas in full sun in well-worked, fertile soil. Sow seeds 1 in. deep and 3 to 4 in. apart in wide rows or bands 3 in. across, spacing the wide rows 2 ft. apart . Provide supports for these climbing 5-6 ft. vines at planting time. Protect from marauding birds with netting or floating row covers if necessary. Wet and cold early spring weather may affect germination, so if first sowing doesn't germinate evenly, replant right away as new seedlings catch up quickly. Sow again for a fall crop about 2.5 months before the first expected fall frost.

GROWING NOTES

These are hypertendril peas, meaning that the vines will produce long twirling tendrils in place of some leaves. This trait helps increase air flow so there is less disease potential. Use netting or wire trellis to support these heavy-bearing tall vines for easy picking. Keep pea vines well weeded and watered and mulch to conserve moisture. Water at the base of the plants to avoid mildew.

HARVEST AND USE

Harvest only when peas are mature and round in the thick-walled, juicy pods for best developed flavor. Savor their sweet crunch fresh from the garden (kids especially love them!) as a snack or slice into salads. Pick pods regularly and you'll have longer production of new ones. To cook quickly, pull strings from pods and sauté in a little oil just until pods turn a deeper green colour.