How to Grow Peas in Arkansas: A Complete Guide

Peas are a cool-season crop that can thrive in Arkansas with proper timing and care. Whether you’re growing shell peas, snow peas, or sugar snap peas, they can be an excellent addition to your garden. This guide will walk you through the steps to successfully grow peas in Arkansas, from selecting the right variety to harvesting your crop.

1. Choosing the Right Pea Varieties

There are three main types of peas you can grow in Arkansas:

  • Shell Peas (Garden Peas): These peas are harvested when the seeds inside the pods are fully mature, and the pods are discarded.
  • Snow Peas: Snow peas are harvested when the peas are still flat, and the entire pod is eaten.
  • Sugar Snap Peas: A hybrid between shell peas and snow peas, sugar snap peas have thick, edible pods and are picked when the seeds inside are plump.

Popular varieties for Arkansas include:

  • Wando: A good choice for later planting, as it tolerates warmer weather.
  • Sugar Snap: Excellent for sweet, crisp pods that can be eaten raw or cooked.
  • Little Marvel: A common shell pea with tender peas, ideal for cool weather.

2. When to Plant Peas in Arkansas

Peas are best planted in early spring or late summer in Arkansas, as they grow best in cool temperatures. For spring planting, sow the seeds about 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost date (which is typically mid-March in most areas of Arkansas). For a fall crop, sow seeds in late August or early September, when temperatures begin to cool down.

3. Selecting the Planting Site

Peas thrive in well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Select a site that gets full sun for at least six hours a day. Peas also benefit from trellising or support, especially sugar snap and snow peas, which are vining varieties.

  • Soil Preparation: Peas prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.0). Before planting, work compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to improve fertility and drainage.

4. Planting Peas

Pea seeds are directly sown into the garden. Here’s how to do it:

  • Planting Depth: Sow the seeds about 1 to 1.5 inches deep.
  • Spacing: Space seeds 1 to 2 inches apart in rows, with rows 18 to 24 inches apart. For trellised peas, leave more space between rows to accommodate the supports.
  • Watering: Water the seeds thoroughly after planting, and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Peas are shallow-rooted, so frequent, light watering may be needed during dry periods.

5. Caring for Your Peas

Peas require minimal care once established, but a few key steps can help them thrive in Arkansas’ growing conditions:

  • Trellising: Use a trellis or stakes to support vining pea varieties. This helps improve air circulation, reduce disease risk, and make harvesting easier.
  • Watering: Peas need about 1 inch of water per week. Be careful not to overwater, as peas dislike soggy soil. Mulching can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
  • Fertilizing: Peas are light feeders and can fix their own nitrogen from the atmosphere. If your soil is lacking, you can apply a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) at the time of planting. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen-heavy fertilizers, as this will promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of pea production.

6. Pest and Disease Management

While peas are relatively pest-resistant, a few common pests and diseases can affect your crop:

  • Pests: Aphids, pea weevils, and cutworms are potential problems. Use row covers to protect young plants, and encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs to keep aphid populations in check.
  • Diseases: Powdery mildew and root rot can be issues, particularly in humid conditions. To prevent disease, avoid overwatering, provide good air circulation with trellising, and rotate crops to avoid planting peas in the same spot year after year.

7. When to Harvest Peas

  • Shell Peas: Harvest when the pods are plump, but before they start to dry out. Shell peas as soon as possible to maintain their sweetness.
  • Snow Peas: Pick when the pods are still flat, before the peas inside start to swell.
  • Sugar Snap Peas: Harvest when the pods are plump and the peas inside have developed, but the pods are still tender.

For all pea varieties, harvest regularly to encourage more production and to ensure tender, sweet peas.

8. Storing Peas

  • Fresh Storage: Fresh peas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Place them in a perforated plastic bag for best results.
  • Freezing: To preserve peas for longer, blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then cool in ice water and freeze.

Conclusion

Peas are a rewarding crop for Arkansas gardeners, especially since they grow well in the cool spring and fall months. With the right planting schedule, care, and harvesting techniques, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of sweet, tender peas from your garden. Whether you prefer shell peas, snow peas, or sugar snap peas, follow these tips to grow them successfully in Arkansas’ climate.