How to Dry Pea Seeds

Peas are one of the easiest vegetables to dry and save for the next planting season. The process for drying pea seeds is the same regardless of which variety you wish to save. The most important thing when drying pea seeds is to allow the pea seeds to dry completely before storing. Even the slightest moisture from one seed can generate enough mold inside a sealed container to ruin all seeds.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Garden twine
• Glass jar
• Lid
• Paper
• Pen

1. Leave enough pea pods on the vines for harvesting seed.

2. Pull pea plants root first from the ground after pods have turned yellow.

3. Using garden twine, hang pea plants in a cool, dry place for six to eight weeks. Pea pods will turn completely brown during drying process.

4. Open pea pods to remove dried seeds, discarding pod.

5. Place pea seeds in a glass jar for storage.

6. Write on a piece of paper the type of seed and date harvested and place in the glass jar for reference.

7. Place the lid on the jar and seal securely.

8. Store in a cool, dry place; avoiding extreme temperatures.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to pull pea plants from the ground prior to frost.

References

• Seedman.com
• Colorado State University Extension
• Arizona Master Gardener Manual Reference

Resources

• National Vegetable Society