Garden and snap peas need full sun which is at least six hours a day. They prefer a well drained soil with a pH in the range of 6.0 to 7.0.
Garden and snap peas can be planted in the spring 4 to 6 weeks before last expected frost when the soil temperature reaches at least 40°F and up to 75°F..
Pea Seed Inoculant
Since peas are usually planted in early spring when the soil temperature hits at least 40 degrees, it sometimes takes the seed a bit longer to germinate because of the cold. Seed innoculant is a powder that you coat the pea seeds with, giving them an extra boost both in germination and in early growth.
An inoculant is a highly effective form of Rhizobia bacteria that, when placed in close proximity to a legume seed at planting, stimulates the formation of nitrogen-bearing "nodules" on the roots. Common legumes are: garden beans, garden peas, fava beans, soybeans, and lentils. When tilled in following seasonal maturity and returned to the soil, these nodules add readily and easily assimilable nitrogen. Inoculation is a low-cost way to ensure nodulation in an environmentally safe manner
Succession Planting - You can continue to plant peas up to 2 or 3 weeks after the last frost. Plant a new row every two weeks from the beginning date and you will enjoy six weeks of fresh peas.
In the fall try to plant peas about 12 weeks before first expected frost. You will have more success in the fall if you pre-sprout your seeds before you plant them.
Peas can be planted in a single row, but grow best planted in double rows about 6 inches apart. Plant peas 2 to 4 inches apart and 1 to 2 inches deep. In the fall plant them 2 inches deep even if you have pre-sprouted the seeds. Peas normally take from 6 to 15 days to germinate depending on the variety and the weather. Peas will be ready for harvest anywhere between 55 and 90 days again depending on the variety and the weather.
Intensive Planting of Peas - Most seed packets recommend planting peas about 2 inches apart in a row. If you plant them a bit closer at 1 ½ inches apart, you will get smaller pods and smaller peas, but you will get more pounds of edible food per linear feet.
Unused seeds may be stored and used for up to three years.
