Growing Peas in November: A Comprehensive Guide to Cold Weather Planting

Peas are a favorite crop for gardeners due to their versatility, nutritional value, and delicious taste. While many associate pea planting with early spring, growing peas in November is a great way to extend your gardening season. By choosing the right varieties and utilizing cold-weather gardening techniques, you can successfully plant and grow peas in the cooler months. This article will explore everything you need to know about growing peas in November, from choosing the best types of peas to optimizing growing conditions.

Why Grow Peas in November?

November might seem like an unconventional time to plant peas, but it can actually be a strategic decision. Depending on your location and climate, peas thrive in cooler temperatures, and growing them in the fall can reduce the risks of pests and diseases that are more prevalent in the warmer months. Peas are hardy, resilient plants that can handle mild frosts, making them an excellent candidate for late-season planting.

There are several advantages to growing peas in November:

• Cool Weather Suits Peas: Peas prefer temperatures between 55°F and 70°F (12°C – 21°C). November provides cooler, more stable temperatures, ideal for pea growth.
• Reduced Pests and Diseases: Common garden pests, like aphids, are less active in cooler weather, allowing for a more organic approach to gardening.
• Optimized Growing Schedule: Planting peas in November ensures an early spring harvest, giving you more space in your garden for summer crops.

Choosing the Right Pea Varieties for November Planting

When growing peas in cooler months, it’s essential to select varieties that are well-suited for cold weather. There are three main types of peas:

1. Shelling Peas (English Peas): These peas are grown primarily for the peas inside the pods. The pods are not typically eaten.
2. Snow Peas: Snow peas are known for their flat, edible pods and are often used in stir-fries and salads.
3. Snap Peas: Snap peas have plump, edible pods and are a sweet, crunchy variety that is perfect for eating fresh or cooked.

For November planting, it’s crucial to select cold-hardy pea varieties that can withstand light frost and lower temperatures. Some of the best cold-tolerant varieties include:

• ‘Alaska’: A fast-growing, cold-hardy variety that matures quickly, making it ideal for late fall planting.
• ‘Green Arrow’: A popular heirloom variety known for its disease resistance and ability to thrive in cooler weather.
• ‘Oregon Sugar Pod’ (Snow Peas): These snow peas are cold-hardy and mature early, making them perfect for November planting.
• ‘Sugar Ann’: This snap pea variety is known for its sweet flavor and ability to tolerate cooler temperatures.

Preparing Your Soil for November Pea Planting

Proper soil preparation is key to ensuring your peas thrive during the cooler months. Peas prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.5). Follow these steps to prepare your soil for planting peas in November:

1. Choose the Right Location: Peas prefer full sun, even in cooler months. Choose a location in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
2. Amend the Soil: If your soil is lacking in nutrients, enrich it by adding organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure. Peas are light feeders, but they benefit from a nutrient-rich growing medium.
3. Ensure Good Drainage: Peas do not like waterlogged soil, which can lead to root rot. If your garden soil is heavy or clay-like, consider creating raised beds or adding sand to improve drainage.
4. Add a Support System: Most pea varieties require some form of support, especially tall-growing types like shelling peas. Install trellises, stakes, or pea netting before planting to avoid disturbing the roots later on.

Planting Peas in November

Now that your soil is ready, it’s time to plant your peas. Follow these steps for a successful November pea planting:

1. Soak the Seeds: Pea seeds can take longer to germinate in cooler temperatures. To speed up germination, soak your pea seeds in water for 12-24 hours before planting. This helps soften the seed coat and promotes faster sprouting.
2. Planting Depth and Spacing: Plant your pea seeds about 1 to 1.5 inches deep and space them 2-3 inches apart in rows that are 18-24 inches apart. Proper spacing ensures good airflow between plants, reducing the risk of disease.
3. Mulch: After planting, cover the soil with a light layer of mulch (such as straw or leaves) to insulate the seeds and retain moisture. Mulching also helps to regulate soil temperature, protecting your peas from frost damage.
4. Watering: Peas need consistent moisture to germinate and grow. Water your seeds immediately after planting, and keep the soil consistently moist (but not waterlogged) throughout the growing season. In cooler weather, watering once or twice a week should suffice.

Managing Cold Weather and Frost Protection

Peas are naturally frost-tolerant, but extreme cold spells can still damage young plants. To protect your November-planted peas, consider using the following methods:

1. Row Covers: Floating row covers or frost blankets provide an extra layer of insulation for your pea plants, protecting them from frost and cold winds while still allowing sunlight and rain to penetrate.
2. Cold Frames: A cold frame is a small, unheated greenhouse that can be placed over your pea plants to protect them from frost and extend the growing season. Cold frames are especially useful in regions with harsh winters.
3. Mulching for Insulation: A thick layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, can help insulate the soil and protect the roots of your pea plants from freezing temperatures.
4. Cloches: Individual cloches, which are small plastic or glass covers, can be placed over young pea plants to provide protection from frost and harsh weather.

Caring for Your Pea Plants in Winter

Once your peas are planted and growing, it’s important to care for them throughout the winter to ensure a healthy harvest in the spring.

1. Watering: Even though the weather is cooler, your pea plants still need regular watering. Keep an eye on the moisture levels in the soil, especially during dry spells, and water as needed to keep the soil slightly damp.
2. Fertilizing: Peas are legumes, which means they have the ability to fix nitrogen from the air into the soil. Because of this, they generally don’t require heavy fertilization. However, if your soil is particularly poor, you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or fish emulsion once the plants are established.
3. Weeding: Peas do not compete well with weeds, so it’s important to keep the area around your plants weed-free. Use shallow cultivation to avoid damaging the shallow root system of the pea plants.
4. Pest Control: Although many pests are less active in colder weather, it’s still essential to keep an eye out for any potential threats. Aphids and slugs may still pose a problem in some areas. Organic insecticidal soap can help control aphids, while handpicking or using barriers can help with slugs.

Harvesting Peas Planted in November

The best part of growing peas is the harvest. Depending on the variety you planted, your peas will be ready for harvest anywhere between 60-90 days after planting, which means your November planting will be ready to pick by late winter or early spring.

• Shelling Peas: Harvest shelling peas when the pods are plump but before the peas inside become too large. If left too long, the peas can become starchy and lose their sweetness.
• Snow Peas: Snow peas should be harvested when the pods are still flat and tender. They can be eaten whole, pod and all.
• Snap Peas: Snap peas are best harvested when the pods are plump but still tender. They can be eaten raw or cooked, and both the pod and peas are edible.

To harvest peas, simply use your fingers or scissors to pinch the pods from the vine. Be careful not to damage the plant, as peas often produce a second flush of pods.

Storing and Preserving Peas

Once harvested, peas can be enjoyed fresh, but they also freeze well for later use. To freeze peas, blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then transfer them to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain the peas, and spread them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container.

Conclusion: Enjoy the Fruits of Your November Pea Planting

Growing peas in November is a rewarding experience that allows you to extend your gardening season and enjoy fresh produce during the cooler months. With the right varieties, soil preparation, and care, you can successfully grow peas even in colder climates. By following the tips in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a bountiful harvest of peas by early spring. So, grab your seeds, prepare your garden, and start growing peas in November!

Check out lots more to grow in November here