How to Grow the Most Peas in the Smallest Space
Fresh peas are delicious additions to any garden, no matter how much space you have for growing them. Peas are ideal for small spaces, including containers, because they grow best vertically. Peas grow quickly and can be sown in both the spring and late summer or early fall for at least two crops per year. Both shelling peas and sugar snap peas -- those eaten with their pods left on -- can be grown well in a small space. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Look for bush varieties of peas or pea seeds that produce many peas on one vine.
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Find large containers such as buckets or planters that are at least 6 inches deep -- or a pick a space in your garden where you can plant your peas.
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Prepare the soil by digging or tilling it, ensuring it is soft enough to accept your peas. You should be able to run your fingers through the soil fairly easily without getting stuck on clumps. Replace clay or otherwise difficult soil with compost or potting soil.
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Place gravel in the base of your planter and ensure there are adequate drainage holes. Peas require good drainage to grow well.
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Sow pea seeds approximately 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart in your row or container. In a round container, such as a bucket, the peas do not have to be in rows. Instead, you can simply space them apart as needed.
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Set up a trellis made of string or wire for your climbing peas. Poles formed like a tepee work as well on the outside of your container.
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Space bush peas about 3 inches apart, since they will be growing together en masse, rather than vertically. Expect bush peas to get about 24 inches tall.
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Pull weeds by hand as the peas grow. This will ensure that you don't pull out the peas' sensitive roots.
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Mulch peas as they grow to reduce weed growth and preserve moisture in the soil.
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References
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