Growing pea is not really a tough matter, but yes, how to take care for pea plant until it harvest really a matter which requires some knowledge, dedication and just a little bit of consistent efforts.
Most of the pea plant categories offer proper maturation around 2 months, after this you can cultivate them.
An amazing fact about this plant, it grows quicker than other green vegetable plants. A thing to remember is, it completes its life-cycle once in a season, which means its an annual type of plant category.
Another good thing is, if you really a non patient person to see them growing pods with peas after pea leaves, then you can simply cultivate and have them in your meal plate.
How To Take Care For Pea Plant
- Peas require at least six hours of full-sunlight exposure each day. If they are exposed to more than this, production or taste can be affected.
- Peas can grow in many soil types as long as they are planted in a good soil with sufficient drainage. For best results, plant your peas in loamy soil that is abundant with organic matter and is mildly acidic. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH is beneficial.
- Watering is one of the essential factors of a successful pea crop. Don’t let the soil ever totally dry out, but also don’t allow it to be drenched. About an inch of water per week should be sufficient.
- Peas excel in environments where they acquire moderate temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If temperature is greater than 85 degrees Fahrenheit, they can still be grown but have a tough time. Moisture is usually the only necessary factor to maintain in the right conditions.
- Pea plants don’t usually require special fertilizer, but it can be of use to mix some compost into the soil beforehand. You can give your plants a boost with some balanced organic liquid fertilizer when the seedlings first appear.
Pea Plant Trimming
- Trimming generally isn’t required of pea plants, but you might remove small tendrils or shoots for your diet. They are made for salads and other dishes, and their mild, pea-like flavor contributes to their adventure.
Pest Controlling
- Pea weevils, aphids and various other bugs can afflict pea plants, attacking both the leaves and roots. Try organic, food-safe methods, such as applying a strong spray of water or using an insecticidal soap, to mitigate pest problems. You might find it helpful to grow companion plants as well. For example, aphids can be repelled by rosemary plants.
- Fungal diseases, including powdery mildew and fusarium wilt, can also affect pea plants. It is generally advisable to completely destroy affected plants to prevent the spread of diseases.
Plant Harvesting
- When growing peas, check on your plant frequently, particularly if the pea plants are in blossom. In general, it takes around 65 days for pea plants to be ready to harvest. Snow peas are ready to harvest when pods are filled with peas. Snap peas are ready to harvest when their pods are small and robust. And garden peas are ready to harvest when their pods are full and lose their waxy coating.
- The best time to harvest peas is in the morning, as their plumpness is at a maximum then. Gently twist the pods off the vine with your hands to avoid damaging the vine and pods still developing.
Prevention
Avoid over maturation of the plant or it will dehydrate and convert into a hard bean legume. Also, over matured peas are not really tasty and sweet as they were green.
Conclusion
Caring for pea plants can require patience, but the good news is they are not in plant list that require a lot of time, patience, and work. So you can grow, care, and cultivate them easily but just matter of steps as discussed above and can have them in your meals as free home crop.
