As a beginner gardener, I was curious if you could plant fresh peas straight from the grocery store or farmer’s market. Most gardening resources only mention planting dried pea seeds. But it turns out, with some care, fresh pea pods can also be used to grow pea vines!
In this article, I’ll share what I learned from experimenting with planting fresh peas. You’ll discover:
- Where to source fresh peas for planting
- How to prepare and dry fresh pea pods
- Step-by-step instructions for planting fresh peas
- Tips for caring for pea plants
- When and how to harvest peas grown from fresh pods
So read on to learn the ins and outs of planting and growing delicious peas using fresh pods
Where to Get Fresh Peas for Planting
Dried pea seeds specifically sold for planting are still the most reliable for growing peas. These seeds from seed catalogs and garden stores have been properly harvested, cured and stored to maximize the germination rate.
However, fresh shelling peas and snap or snow peas bought for eating can also be planted to grow pea vines Just keep these tips in mind
-
Choose plump, fully developed peas. Avoid old, shriveled pods.
-
Let fresh peas dry out completely, around 5-7 days, before planting.
-
Don’t shell the peas. Leave them in pods for planting.
-
Plant more seeds than needed since germination is lower.
-
Refrigerate dried peas before planting to store.
How to Prepare and Dry Fresh Peas for Planting
Follow these steps to get fresh peas ready for planting:
-
Spread unshelled fresh pea pods on a baking sheet lined with paper towels.
-
Leave in a dry, well-ventilated spot for 5-7 days. Turn pods periodically.
-
Peas are ready when completely dried out with no moisture left.
-
Store dried pea pods in paper bags in the fridge up to 1-2 years before planting.
Proper drying is key so peas don’t rot once planted. Wait until peas are dried through but not crispy and brown.
How to Plant Fresh Pea Pods
Planting fresh peas is similar to planting dried pea seeds. Follow this process:
Choose a Sunny Spot
Select a location that gets full sun for at least 6 hours daily. Peas need sunlight to be sweet and productive.
Prepare Soil
Enrich soil with compost or manure. Peas like fertile, well-drained soil. Mix in organic matter before planting.
Sow Seeds
Plant pea pods 1-2 inches deep and 2 inches apart in rows 6-8 inches apart. Gently cover with soil.
Install Supports
Put up trellises or stakes at planting time for vines to climb once they start growing.
Water and Fertilize
Keep soil moist, avoiding wetting foliage. Fertilize lightly with a balanced organic fertilizer. Too much nitrogen reduces pea yields.
Growing and Caring for Peas
Once seeded, peas need:
-
Regular watering about 1-2 inches per week
-
Mulching to retain moisture and reduce weeds
-
Trellises or supports for vines to climb
-
Monitoring for pests like aphids
-
Frequent harvesting once pods mature to encourage production
Harvesting Peas Grown from Fresh Pods
-
Pick snow and snap peas when pods fill out but are still plump.
-
Harvest shelling peas when pods look full, bright green, and glossy.
-
Pick in the morning when sugar content is highest.
-
Gently handle vines when picking to not damage plants.
-
Use freshly picked peas within 3-5 days for maximum flavor.
Storing Extra Fresh Peas
Enjoy most peas right after picking. To preserve extras:
-
Blanche then freeze peas to lock in sweetness.
-
Dry mature peas further and store in airtight containers.
-
Use dried peas in soups, stews, and other cooked dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Planting Fresh Peas
Here are answers to some common questions about growing peas from fresh pods:
Can fresh grocery store peas be planted?
Yes, but let them dry out 5-7 days first to prevent rotting after planting.
How long do fresh peas last before planting?
Store dried peas in the fridge up to 1-2 years before germination rates decline. Discard old, smelly, or very wrinkled peas.
What’s the best way to dry fresh peas for planting?
Spread unshelled peas on towels or screens in a dry, well-ventilated area. Turn pods occasionally until no moisture remains on surfaces.
Should pea pods be removed before planting?
No, plant peas inside pods for protection. The pods will decompose as sprouts emerge.
Can different pea varieties cross-pollinate?
No, peas self-pollinate so varieties can be planted near each other without crossing.
How long until planted fresh peas sprout?
Expect fresh pea seeds to sprout in 60-70 days, depending on variety. Monitor closely once blooms appear.
Why aren’t my planted fresh peas sprouting well?
Old, shriveled peas, improper planting depth, and cold, wet soil can prevent good germination. Use fresh pods and ensure suitable soil conditions.
Conclusion
While dried pea seeds offer the best germination rates, gardeners can try their hand at planting fresh pea pods bought from the market or farm stand. With some extra drying and care when sowing and growing, fresh peas can be used to generate bountiful vines and pods. Plant extra seeds to account for lower germination compared to dried peas. But with effort, you can grow peas on a budget from fresh market pods.
Plant sweet, crisp peas in the spring or fall for a tasty garden treat!
Peas, please! There’s nothing like the taste of sweet, fresh peas straight from the garden. They’re the first crop to harvest in the spring, and with just a little care, you can enjoy these delicious green gems before the summer heat kicks in. Whether you’re growing snap peas, snow peas, or sweet peas, our comprehensive guide will show you how to sow, grow, and harvest your best crop yet.
Peas are easy to grow, but their growing period is limited. It’s essential to plant them early enough in spring so they mature while the weather is still cool! (This means planting in most parts of the United States and Canada in February, March, or April.) However, they can also be grown as a fall or winter crop in warmer regions.
Peas do not stay fresh long after harvest, so enjoy their taste as soon as possible! Those peas in grocery stores are often starchy in taste, which you’ll find has no comparison to garden-fresh peas.
Three varieties of peas suit most garden and culinary needs:
- Sweet peas, aka garden peas or English peas (Pisum sativum ssp. sativum), have inedible pods from which the seeds (peas) are taken.
- Snow peas (P. sativum var. macrocarpon) produce edible, flat, stringless pods containing small peas.
- Snap peas (P. sativum var. macrocarpon ser. cv.) produce thick, edible pods containing large/full-size peas.
Great planting companions for peas include: Chives, Mint, Alyssum, Carrot, Corn, Cucumber, Radish, Turnip, and Beans. Learn more about Companion Planting.
How do you know when peas are ready to be picked?
Most varieties of peas are ready to harvest 60 to 70 days after planting. Peas mature quickly, so check daily once you see the flowers in bloom.
- Pick snow peas when the delicate pods begin to show immature seeds inside.
- Gather snap peas when the pods become plump yet are still glossy and filled with sweet-tasting peas.
- Pick shell peas before the pods become waxy.