Peas are a classic allotment crop — sweet, reliable, and easy to grow. Whether you prefer early mangetout or traditional shelling peas, they’re perfect for filling gaps in your rotation plan while enriching the soil with nitrogen. This guide explains how to grow healthy pea plants for bumper harvests all summer long.
Quick Facts
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| When to Sow | March to June |
| Germination Time | 7–14 days |
| Time to Harvest | 11–13 weeks |
| Ideal Soil | Fertile, well-drained, moisture-retentive |
| Position | Full sun |
| Spacing | 5cm apart, 60cm between rows |
Preparing the Soil
Peas grow best in fertile, moisture-retentive soil that isn’t waterlogged. Dig over your bed in winter and add well-rotted compost to enrich it. Avoid adding too much nitrogen-rich fertiliser, as this encourages leafy growth at the expense of pods.
A neutral to slightly alkaline soil (pH 6.5–7.5) is ideal. If your soil is acidic, apply a little garden lime before sowing.
Sowing the Seeds
Peas can be sown directly outdoors from March, once the soil has started to warm up.
Create shallow trenches about 3cm deep and 60cm apart. Sow seeds roughly 5cm apart and cover with soil.
For early crops, sow indoors in February using root trainers or deep pots, then transplant outside once frosts have passed.
To stagger harvests, sow a new batch every 3–4 weeks until early summer.
Supporting the Plants
Most pea varieties need some form of support. Use pea sticks, netting, or chicken wire along the rows as soon as seedlings emerge.
Dwarf or compact types (such as ‘Kelvedon Wonder’) may only need minimal support, while tall varieties (like ‘Alderman’) will require stronger structures up to 1.5 metres high.
Watering and Feeding
Peas like consistent moisture, especially when pods start forming. Water regularly in dry weather, focusing on the base rather than the foliage.
Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Feeding isn’t usually necessary, as peas fix their own nitrogen, but a light dose of liquid seaweed feed can boost pod production.
Harvesting
Peas are ready for picking around 11–13 weeks after sowing.
Harvest regularly to encourage new pods — leaving mature pods on the plant will slow further production.
For the sweetest flavour, pick peas early in the morning and eat them as soon as possible after harvesting.
Common Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Pea moth | Larvae feeding inside pods | Sow early or late to avoid peak moth season |
| Mildew | Dry conditions or poor air flow | Water consistently and avoid overcrowding |
| Pigeons | Birds eating seedlings | Cover rows with netting or fleece |
| Mice | Eating freshly sown seeds | Start seeds indoors if this is a problem |
Companion Planting Tips
Peas grow well alongside carrots, turnips, and cucumbers. Avoid planting near onions or garlic, which can stunt growth.
Once finished, dig old pea plants back into the soil to improve nitrogen levels for the next crop.
Using the Allotment Planner Tool
Add your pea rows into the Allotment Planner tool to plan supports, spacing, and succession sowing.
You can also visualise crop rotation and companion planting to make the most of your space year-round.
FAQs
When should I sow peas?
From March onwards, or earlier indoors for an early start.
Do peas need support?
Yes — most varieties benefit from netting, sticks, or wire supports.
How long do peas take to grow?
Around 11–13 weeks from sowing to harvest.
Can I grow peas in pots?
Yes — compact varieties like ‘Early Onward’ or ‘Meteor’ are ideal for containers.
What’s the best variety for allotments?
‘Kelvedon Wonder’ and ‘Hurst Green Shaft’ are popular for their flavour and reliability.