How to Grow Peas in Ohio: A Comprehensive Guide

Peas are a cool-season crop that thrives in Ohio’s temperate climate. Whether you’re growing snap peas, snow peas, or shelling peas, Ohio gardeners can enjoy a successful harvest by planting at the right time, preparing the soil, and giving the plants the care they need. Peas are relatively easy to grow and can be a rewarding addition to your garden, providing delicious and nutritious produce in early summer or fall.

1. Selecting the Right Pea Varieties for Ohio

Ohio’s climate supports the growth of several types of peas. Here are three common types to consider:

  • Snap Peas: These peas are grown for their tender, edible pods, with varieties like ‘Sugar Snap’ being a popular choice.
  • Snow Peas: Known for their flat, edible pods, snow peas like ‘Oregon Sugar Pod II’ are an excellent option for stir-fries and fresh eating.
  • Shelling Peas: Also known as garden or English peas, shelling peas like ‘Green Arrow’ or ‘Lincoln’ produce peas that are removed from the pods before eating.

2. Planting Time in Ohio

Peas thrive in cooler weather, making it essential to plant them early in the spring or later in the summer for a fall crop. In Ohio, the best planting time depends on the last and first frost dates.

  • Spring planting: Peas should be planted in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, typically around mid- to late March in southern Ohio and early April in northern Ohio. The soil temperature should be at least 40°F, but peas prefer cooler conditions, so don’t wait too long.
  • Fall planting: For a fall harvest, plant peas in late July to early August, giving them time to mature before the first frost, usually in mid-October in Ohio.

3. Soil Preparation

Peas prefer well-drained, loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. Preparing the soil properly is essential for ensuring good drainage and nutrient availability.

  • Soil pH: Peas grow best in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. If necessary, conduct a soil test to determine your soil’s pH and adjust accordingly with lime or sulfur.
  • Amend the soil: Before planting, add organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and structure. Peas are light feeders, but they will benefit from nutrient-rich soil.
  • Ensure good drainage: Peas don’t tolerate waterlogged soil, so if you have heavy clay soil, consider planting in raised beds or adding sand and organic matter to improve drainage.

4. Planting Peas

Peas can be direct-seeded into the garden as soon as the soil is ready.

  • Planting depth: Sow peas about 1 inch deep in the soil.
  • Row spacing: Space rows about 18-24 inches apart to allow for adequate air circulation and growth.
  • Seed spacing: Space the seeds 2 inches apart. Once they germinate, you may need to thin the plants to ensure they aren’t overcrowded.
  • Support: Peas tend to climb, so providing some form of support is recommended. Install a trellis, netting, or stakes before planting to avoid disturbing the young plants later.

5. Watering and Mulching

Peas need consistent moisture, but they don’t like soggy soil. Proper watering is essential, especially during flowering and pod formation.

  • Watering: Water deeply about once a week, aiming for 1 inch of water. During dry spells, increase watering to keep the soil consistently moist.
  • Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch such as straw or grass clippings around the pea plants. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

6. Fertilizing Peas

Peas, like other legumes, are nitrogen fixers, meaning they can take nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form they can use. Therefore, they don’t require heavy fertilization, particularly with nitrogen-rich fertilizers.

  • Pre-planting: Incorporate compost or a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer (such as 5-10-10) into the soil before planting.
  • During growth: If needed, apply a side dressing of balanced fertilizer once the plants are about 4-6 inches tall. Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as too much nitrogen can encourage leaf growth at the expense of pod production.

7. Pest and Disease Control

While peas are generally easy to grow, they can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases, particularly in Ohio’s humid summer months.

  • Pests: Common pests include aphids, pea weevils, and slugs. Use insecticidal soap to control aphids and encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs. Slugs can be deterred by placing diatomaceous earth or crushed eggshells around plants.
  • Diseases: Fungal diseases like powdery mildew and root rot can affect peas in wet conditions. To prevent these, avoid overhead watering, provide good air circulation, and rotate crops regularly.

8. Harvesting Peas

Peas should be harvested when the pods are full but still tender. The exact timing will depend on the type of peas you’re growing.

  • Snap peas: Harvest when the pods are plump, but before the peas inside have fully matured. The entire pod should be tender and edible.
  • Snow peas: Pick when the pods are flat and before the peas inside start to swell.
  • Shelling peas: Harvest shelling peas when the pods are plump and the peas inside are fully developed but still tender. The pods are not edible for shelling peas.

Harvest peas regularly to encourage the plants to keep producing. Once the weather becomes too hot, pea production will slow, and the plants may die back.

9. Successive Planting for Continuous Harvest

For a continuous supply of peas, consider successive planting. By staggering your planting dates every 2-3 weeks, you can extend your harvest window. This is particularly useful for a fall crop, as cooler weather will help peas thrive.

10. Fall Cleanup and Soil Care

After harvesting peas, clean up the garden bed by removing any plant debris. Pea plants can be composted, but if any plants were affected by disease, dispose of them properly to prevent spreading pathogens. Since peas are legumes, they leave behind nitrogen in the soil, which is beneficial for crops planted afterward. Consider planting nitrogen-hungry crops like corn or tomatoes in the pea bed next year as part of your crop rotation plan.

Conclusion

Growing peas in Ohio is a rewarding and relatively easy gardening task. By planting early in the spring or timing a second planting for fall, you can enjoy fresh peas during the cooler months. Proper soil preparation, consistent care, and regular harvesting will result in a bountiful pea crop that adds flavor and nutrition to your meals. Whether you prefer the sweet crunch of snap peas or the tender pods of snow peas, Ohio’s climate makes it an ideal place to grow these delicious vegetables.