How to Grow Peas (Early Varieties) in January: Tips, Advice, and Best Varieties

Introduction
Peas (Pisum sativum) are one of the first crops you can sow in the gardening year, and January is the perfect time to get a head start with early varieties. Hardy and resilient, early peas thrive in cool temperatures, making them ideal for early sowing under protection. These sweet, tender pods not only taste delicious but also enrich the soil with nitrogen, benefiting future crops. This guide will cover how to grow early peas in January, the best varieties to choose, and answers to frequently asked questions to help you enjoy a successful pea harvest.


Why Grow Peas in January?

Sowing peas in January offers several benefits:

  • Early Harvest: Early varieties provide a fresh crop when other vegetables are still weeks away.
  • Cold Tolerance: Hardy pea varieties thrive in the cool temperatures of late winter and early spring.
  • Nitrogen Fixation: Peas improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen, making them great for crop rotation.
  • Low Maintenance: Once established, peas require minimal care and offer a rewarding harvest.


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How to Grow Peas (Early Varieties) in January: Tips, Advice, and Best Varieties


Best Early Pea Varieties to Sow in January

Choosing the right variety is essential for success. Look for hardy types that are well-suited to early sowing:

1. ‘Meteor’

  • A dwarf variety perfect for early sowing. Produces sweet, tender peas and is highly frost-tolerant.

2. ‘Kelvedon Wonder’

  • A popular early variety known for its high yields and excellent flavor. Compact and suitable for small spaces.

3. ‘Feltham First’

  • A traditional, reliable early pea that’s cold-resistant and easy to grow. Ideal for January sowing.

4. ‘Early Onward’

  • Fast-growing and productive, this variety produces large, flavorful pods.

5. ‘Douce Provence’

  • A hardy early pea that thrives in cooler conditions and produces sweet, tender peas.

Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Peas in January

1. Choose the Right Location

  • Peas prefer a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil.
  • Avoid areas prone to waterlogging, as peas dislike wet feet.

2. Prepare the Soil

  • Remove weeds and dig in well-rotted compost or manure to enrich the soil.
  • If sowing outdoors, consider raising the soil with ridges or planting in raised beds to improve drainage.

3. Sowing Pea Seeds in January

Outdoor Sowing

  • Timing: In milder climates, sow seeds directly into the ground if the soil isn’t frozen or waterlogged.
  • Depth and Spacing: Sow seeds 2.5–5cm (1–2 inches) deep, spacing them 5cm (2 inches) apart in rows 45cm (18 inches) apart.
  • Protection: Cover rows with cloches, fleece, or polytunnels to shield the seeds from frost and birds.

Indoor Sowing

  • Containers: Use pots, trays, or lengths of guttering filled with seed compost.
  • Sowing: Sow seeds 2.5cm (1 inch) deep and space them evenly. Keep in a cool, bright location, such as a greenhouse or cold frame.
  • Transplanting: Once seedlings reach 10cm (4 inches) tall and the weather improves, transplant them outdoors.

4. Watering

  • Water sparingly in winter, ensuring the soil remains moist but not soggy.
  • Increase watering as the weather warms and the plants begin to grow.

5. Provide Support

  • Early peas are typically dwarf varieties, but they still benefit from support. Use pea sticks, small trellises, or netting to help the plants grow upright and prevent the pods from touching the ground.

6. Feeding and Mulching

  • Peas require little feeding, as they fix their own nitrogen. However, a light application of a balanced fertilizer can help growth.
  • Mulch around plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect roots from frost.

7. Pest and Disease Management

  • Pests: Protect seeds and young plants from birds and mice by covering them with fleece or netting.
  • Diseases: Avoid overwatering and ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew.

8. Harvesting

  • Early peas sown in January are ready for harvest in late spring to early summer, depending on the variety.
  • Harvest pods when they are plump but still tender for the best flavor.

Caring for Peas as They Grow

  • Pinching Out: Pinch out the growing tips when plants are 15–20cm (6–8 inches) tall to encourage bushier growth.
  • Weeding: Keep the area weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and light.
  • Crop Rotation: Avoid planting peas in the same spot as previous legumes to reduce the risk of soil-borne diseases.

Top 10 Questions and Answers About Growing Peas

1. Can I plant peas in January?

Answer: Yes, hardy early varieties like ‘Meteor’ and ‘Feltham First’ can be sown in January under cloches or indoors.

2. Do peas need protection from frost?

Answer: Yes, while early varieties are frost-tolerant, covering them with fleece, cloches, or a cold frame provides extra protection.

3. How deep should I plant pea seeds?

Answer: Sow seeds 2.5–5cm (1–2 inches) deep to protect them from birds and frost.

4. Can I grow peas in containers?

Answer: Yes, peas grow well in containers. Use a deep pot with well-draining compost and provide support for the plants.

5. How far apart should I plant pea seeds?

Answer: Space seeds 5cm (2 inches) apart in rows 45cm (18 inches) apart for optimal growth.

6. Do peas need fertilizer?

Answer: Peas don’t need much fertilizer, as they fix their own nitrogen. A light application of a balanced fertilizer can help early growth.

7. How do I protect pea seeds from birds and mice?

Answer: Cover seeds with netting or fleece and consider sowing indoors if pests are a problem.

8. When are peas ready to harvest?

Answer: Peas are ready to harvest when the pods are plump and firm but still tender, typically 10–12 weeks after sowing.

9. Can I eat pea shoots?

Answer: Yes, pea shoots are edible and have a sweet, fresh flavor. Pinch out the tips to encourage side shoots and enjoy them in salads or stir-fries.

10. How do I prevent powdery mildew on peas?

Answer: Avoid overcrowding plants, ensure good air circulation, and water at the base of plants rather than overhead.


Conclusion

Growing peas in January is a rewarding way to kick off your gardening year. Early varieties like ‘Meteor’ and ‘Feltham First’ thrive in cool temperatures, providing a fresh harvest in late spring when few other crops are ready. With proper soil preparation, protection, and care, you’ll enjoy sweet, tender peas that are perfect for snacking, cooking, or freezing. Start planting now to enjoy a healthy and productive crop!


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