Growing peas vertically not only saves precious garden space but also produces healthier plants and improves yields. Vertical gardening allows for better air circulation around the plants, reducing the risk of soil-borne diseases. Additionally, the vertical growth makes for easier harvesting and can create an attractive green wall in your garden. Keeping your peas off the ground can also help to deter pests and can provide a bit of shade for cooler-loving plants below. Let’s dive into how to grow peas vertically, from soil prep, water, fertilizer and finally harvest.
When selecting peas for vertical growing, it’s best to choose varieties that naturally climb, such as sugar snap peas, or any of the vining peas that can reach up to six feet or more. These peas come equipped with tendrils that will grab onto any support, making them ideal for trellises. Dwarf and bush varieties are less suitable for vertical gardens as they tend not to climb and do better with minimal support. Heirloom varieties like ‘Alderman’ or ‘Telephone’ peas are perfect for vertical setups due to their robust climbing abilities and bountiful yields.
Choosing the Best Support for Climbing Peas
The key to a successful vertical pea garden is selecting the appropriate support structure. Traditional options include wooden or bamboo stakes, trellises, and netting. Trellises should be sturdy and tall enough to accommodate the full growth potential of the pea variety selected. A-frame trellises or simple netting stretched between posts can work well. Alternatively, for a more D.I.Y. approach, you can create your own pea supports by stringing up twine in a grid pattern between poles. Whichever method you choose, ensure it’s installed at the time of planting to avoid disturbing the roots later on. Pea plants will naturally begin to climb the support, so periodic gentle guidance may be necessary to help the tendrils grasp the structure.
Preparing the Soil in the Garden or In Containers
To ensure your climbing peas thrive, proper soil preparation is crucial. In the garden, select a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Begin by turning the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches and mix in a 2-inch layer of compost to provide the peas with rich, fertile ground. Peas prefer a neutral pH, so use a soil test kit and adjust as necessary with lime or sulfur to achieve a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
For container gardening, choose a deep pot at least 10-12 inches in diameter to accommodate root growth and make sure it has adequate drainage holes. Fill it with a high-quality potting mix that’s been blended with compost. It’s essential that the container can support the weight of the plant and the trellis once the peas are fully grown.
Remember, peas are a cool-season crop and can be planted as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring. Adding a layer of mulch after planting will help to keep the soil moist and cool, which is ideal for pea growth.
Sunlight Requirements for Growing Peas Vertically
For peas to reach their full potential when grown vertically, adequate sunlight is non-negotiable. Aim for a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day, which is essential for energy production and optimal growth. While peas are forgiving and can tolerate partial shade, they truly thrive in full sun. Vertical growing can sometimes block sunlight to lower parts of the plant, so rotate the support structure if possible, or choose a spot where light is more evenly distributed throughout the day. With optimum sunlight, your vertical peas will yield a productive harvest with pods that are full and sweet.
Planting Your Peas
Planting your peas correctly is essential for a healthy vertical crop. Start by soaking the pea seeds in water for 24 hours before planting to soften the seed coat and expedite germination. After soaking, plant the seeds about 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart along the base of your chosen support structure. If you’re using a trellis or netting, you can plant rows on both sides to maximize your space and yield. Water the seeds in well after planting, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. As the pea plants grow, they’ll need little encouragement to climb, but you can gently guide any stray tendrils onto the support to ensure your peas take full advantage of the vertical space. Remember to protect young shoots from pests and keep the soil moist, especially as the plants begin to flower and form pods.
Water and Fertilizer Needs
Peas, especially when grown vertically, need consistent moisture to flourish. Aim to provide at least one inch of water per week, either through rainfall or manual watering. It’s best to water deeply at the base of the plants to encourage root growth downwards. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of mildew and other fungal diseases that peas can be prone to when foliage remains damp.
Regarding fertilization, peas are light feeders and can fix their own nitrogen in the soil, thanks to a symbiotic relationship with bacteria. Therefore, go easy on nitrogen-rich fertilizers, which can encourage more foliage growth at the expense of pod production. Instead, use a low-nitrogen or balanced fertilizer if the soil is particularly poor. A phosphorous and potassium-rich fertilizer applied at planting can help with strong root and pod development. Remember that too much fertilizer is worse than too little when it comes to peas.
Or if you would like to go the organic route like I prefer. One of the best choices for organic fertilizers is bone meal, which provides phosphorous essential for root development. Similarly, wood ash can be a good source of potassium and can help increase the mineral content of the soil. Always ensure that any organic fertilizer used is well-incorporated into the soil to prevent attracting pests and to allow easy nutrient absorption by the pea plants.
Timeframe from Sprouting to Harvest
After planting your pea seeds, you can typically expect to see sprouts within 7-10 days, depending on the soil temperature and moisture levels. From sprouting to harvest, the timeline varies across pea varieties but generally ranges from 60 to 70 days for most types. It’s crucial to know the maturity period of the pea variety you’ve planted to anticipate the right time for harvesting.
When it comes to harvesting your climbing peas, the process is straightforward but requires a gentle touch. Regularly check your pea plants as the pods begin to mature and pick them at their peak of sweetness, which is often just as the peas inside have become plump but before they become too starchy. To harvest, use one hand to hold the vine and the other to carefully pull or snip the pod from the plant to avoid damaging the vine. Harvesting every 1 to 3 days will encourage the plants to produce more pods, extending your yield further into the season. Remember, the more you pick, the more they produce, so don’t hesitate to harvest pods even if they are a bit smaller – they’ll likely be tender and sweet.
Happy Gardening!
As space becomes a premium, vertical pea gardening is a sustainable solution that allows you to grow your own food regardless of your living situation. It’s an exciting way to experiment with different support structures, maximize yields, and create a visually stunning garden. So why not embrace the vertical, and watch your peas soar to new heights? With a little care and creativity, you can turn a wall, fence, or even a balcony into a green tapestry of delicious delights.
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