When to plant or sow Garden Pea?

Garden peas thrive in full sun or partial shade and prefer loam or clay soil that is moisture-retentive but well-drained. Before sowing, prepare the bed by digging in well-rotted compost or manure to improve soil structure and fertility. Peas are legumes and fix their own nitrogen, so avoid overly rich soil which encourages leafy growth at the expense of pods. The soil pH should ideally be neutral to slightly alkaline. Sow peas directly outdoors from March through to May, once the soil temperature reaches at least 10°C. Earlier sowings in March may benefit from cloche protection or fleece if frost threatens. Create a shallow drill about 4–5 cm deep and space seeds 8 cm apart in the row. If you're planting in double rows for mutual support, space the rows about 20 cm apart, with 60–90 cm between each pair of rows depending on the variety's eventual height. After sowing, backfill the drill and firm the soil gently. Water the row thoroughly if the soil is dry, but avoid waterlogging. Peas germinate in 7–14 days depending on temperature. As soon as seedlings emerge, protect them from birds using netting or pea guards—pigeons are particularly fond of young pea shoots. Install support structures early: taller varieties (100–150 cm) need sturdy canes, netting, or pea sticks, while dwarf types (50–70 cm) manage with shorter twiggy branches or low netting. Mulch lightly around the base once plants are established to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.