If you've never grown anything before, peas are a brilliant first choice. They're quick to grow, easy to care for, and you don't need fancy equipment. Here's exactly what you need to do — no guesswork!
Does all the gardening jargon get you confused? Don't Worry! You may have noticed that some of the words on this page are in bold, all these words can be found in our glossary. At the bottom of this page you'll find a link to our PDF 'Growing Peas Glossary' in case you're not familiar with any of the terms or gardening words we've used here.
We want to make our website as easy and as accessible for absolutely everyone! If you have read our blogs and checked out the glossary and you still need more help, we are here! Drop a message in the comments below! There is no such thing a silly question and will happily do our best to answer any questions you might have.
So lets get going with growing our peas!
What You’ll Need
- Pea seeds (varieties like 'Oregon Sugar Pod' or 'Sugar Snap' are perfect for beginners)
- Multipurpose compost
- Seed trays or small pots (egg cartons work too!)
- A trowel (or a spoon if you don’t have one)
- Canes, sticks, or netting (for support)
- Watering can or jug
- Sunny spot outdoors (a patio, garden bed, or even a large container)
Step 1: Start Your Seeds Indoors (Optional but Helpful)
If it’s still cold outside, you can start peas indoors:
- Fill your trays or pots with compost, pressing it down gently.
- Make small holes about 2cm (just under an inch) deep.
- Drop 2–3 seeds into each hole, then cover them with a little compost.
- Water gently but thoroughly.
Tip: Keep the trays in a bright, cool place like a windowsill or unheated greenhouse.
Step 2: Sow Directly Outdoors (If It's Warmer)
If the weather is mild (above 8°C/46°F), you can plant peas straight into the ground or a big pot:
- Choose a sunny spot with good drainage.
- Rake the soil to remove stones and break up clumps.
- Draw a shallow trench about 2–3cm deep.
- Drop seeds in the trench, spacing them about 5cm apart.
- Cover them over and water well.
Tip: If it's chilly at night, cover the area with fleece or a cloche to protect the seeds.
Step 3: Support Your Plants
Peas are climbers! They’ll need something to grab onto as they grow:
- Push in canes, sticks, or set up a pea net next to your planting area.
- Tie string between the canes if needed to give them a boost.
As the plants grow, they’ll twine their little tendrils around the supports all by themselves.
Step 4: Water Regularly
Peas like moist soil — not soaked, but not dry either:
- Water once or twice a week in cool weather.
- Water more often if it’s sunny and dry.
- Focus on watering the soil, not the leaves.
Step 5: Watch Them Grow!
- In a few weeks, you'll see tiny green shoots.
- After about 10 weeks, flowers will appear — this means peas are forming!
- Pods will follow soon after the flowers fade.
Step 6: Harvest Time!
Here’s how to know when to pick:
- Mangetout/Sugar Snap: Pick when pods are flat but full-size.
- Shelling Peas: Wait until the pods are plump and full.
- Pea Shoots: You can snip young leafy tops anytime for salads!
Tip: Harvest regularly to encourage more pods to grow.
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
- Sowing too early: Cold soil can rot seeds. Wait until the weather warms up a little.
- Forgetting supports: Peas need something to climb or they'll flop over.
- Overwatering or underwatering: Check soil moisture with your finger — it should feel damp but not soggy.
Final Thought
Growing peas is a brilliant way to build your gardening confidence. With just a little care, you’ll be crunching on sweet, homegrown peas in no time. Start small, follow these easy steps, and enjoy the simple pleasure of watching something you planted from seed grow into food on your plate!
