How to Grow:
Southern peas can be planted 4 weeks after the last spring frost has occurred up until around 14 weeks before first fall frost. Southern peas thrive in the heat and can be planted all summer long! You can see specific dates for your location using our FREE iOS, Android, and Universal Web App.
Southern peas are planted 4 per square 1/2 inch deep. Southern peas will require a trellis in the full sun to help support their height. Take care to notice what plants are around the area as well, see the companion plant section below. Once planted, it will take approximately 10-14 days to sprout. Make sure to keep light moisture during this phase. Increase watering as they develop. Try to avoid wetting the leaves to prevent disease.
Companion Plants:
Companion planting is a vital part of organic gardening. Companion plants assist in the growth of others by attracting beneficial insects, repelling pests, or providing nutrients, shade, or support. There are also plants that do not like being next to each other. Some plants get too tall and can provide too much shade for your plant. Sometimes certain plants attract the same pests, so it is important to try and separate these.
| Good | Bad | |
| Arugula | Flowers (such as Marigolds, Nasturtiums, Sunflowers) | Chives |
| Beans (Bush & Pole) | Herbs (such as Catnip, Marjoram, Oregano, Rau Ram, Summer Savory, Tarragon) | Garlic |
| Beets | Peas | Leeks |
| Broccoli | Potatoes | Onions |
| Carrots | Radish | Shallots |
| Cauliflower | Squashes and similar vining plants (such as Acorn Squash, Butternut Squash, Cucumbers, Luffa [Loofah], Pumpkin, Spaghetti Squash, Zucchini) | |
| Celery | Strawberries | |
| Corn | Swiss Chard | |
| Eggplant | Tomatoes (Bush & Vine) | |
See companion plants for 80+ foods in our FREE iOS, Android, and Universal Web app!
Pests:
Pests can be one of the most difficult challenges you face in the garden. We strive to grow food without the use of pesticide and luckily there are natural solutions for most of these nasty pests! The pests listed below are common ones for southern peas:
Learn more about how to manage pests and attract beneficial insects in our FREE iOS, Android, and Universal Web App!
Harvesting:
Southern peas will be ready to harvest in approximately 85-100 days after sprouting. Peas can be harvested at any stage while in their pods. Use scissors or carefully pick the pods from the stems. You can harvest when they are young and green or wait until they are brown on the vine for dry peas.
Cooking & Eating!
Learn more about growing over 80 different foods, including how to manage various pests in our FREE iOS, Android, or new Universal Web App!
