Planting Peas: The Ultimate UK Guide to Sowing, Growing & Harvesting Sweet Success
Introduction
Peas are one of the most satisfying vegetables to grow — quick to sprout, sweet to eat, and perfect for even small gardens or containers. Whether you love crunchy mangetout, tender sugarsnaps, or classic garden peas, sowing your own crop is simple, fun, and highly rewarding.
In this detailed guide, you’ll learn when and how to plant peas in the UK, the best varieties, support systems, watering tips, succession sowing tricks, and how to get bumper harvests all season long.
Quick Summary: How to Plant Peas in the UK
| Task | Key Info |
|---|---|
| Best sowing time | March to May (or October–Nov for overwintering) |
| Soil type | Moist, fertile, free-draining, with good structure |
| Sowing depth | 3–5 cm deep |
| Spacing | 5–10 cm apart, rows 30–45 cm apart |
| Support needed | Yes — use netting, sticks, or trellis |
| Harvest time | 10–14 weeks after sowing |
1. When to Plant Peas in the UK
| Season | Sowing Period | Harvest Period |
|---|---|---|
| Spring crop | March to May | May to July |
| Autumn-sown | October to November | May to June (next year) |
| Succession sowing | Every 2–3 weeks March–June | Ongoing harvests |
In milder areas, peas can be sown outdoors in late February, especially under fleece or cloches.
2. Choosing the Right Pea Variety
| Type | Best For | Example Varieties |
|---|---|---|
| Shelling peas | Classic sweet garden peas | ‘Kelvedon Wonder’, ‘Early Onward’ |
| Mangetout | Eat whole pods, stir-fries | ‘Oregon Sugar Pod’, ‘Shiraz’ |
| Sugarsnap | Fat, juicy edible pods | ‘Delikett’, ‘Sugar Ann’ |
| Tall peas | High yields, needs strong support | ‘Alderman’, ‘Telephone’ |
| Dwarf peas | No support needed, good for containers | ‘Meteor’, ‘Tom Thumb’ |
3. Soil Preparation for Peas
Peas prefer moist, fertile soil that’s not too acidic.
🌱 Soil Tips:
- Improve soil with compost or well-rotted manure
- Avoid freshly manured beds (can lead to weak, leafy growth)
- Add garden lime if your soil is very acidic
- Work the soil until light and crumbly
💡 Avoid sowing into cold, wet soil — peas hate soggy roots!
4. How to Sow Peas: Step-by-Step
📏 Spacing:
- Sow seeds 5 cm apart, 3–5 cm deep, in rows 30–45 cm apart
🥬 Step-by-step sowing:
- Mark out a shallow trench with a draw hoe or stick
- Water the trench lightly if soil is dry
- Place seeds 5 cm apart
- Cover with soil and gently firm down
- Label the row and cover with cloches or fleece if cold
You can also sow in guttering in a greenhouse to transplant later (great for early crops or poor soil).
5. Supporting Your Peas
Most pea varieties — even compact ones — benefit from some form of support.
🪵 Support ideas:
- Twiggy sticks (pea sticks) for traditional look
- Netting strung between bamboo canes
- Wire mesh panels or obelisks
- Trellis or fencing for tall varieties
Install supports at sowing time, before plants begin to tangle and climb.
6. Watering & Feeding Peas
| Task | Tip |
|---|---|
| Watering | Keep soil moist but not waterlogged |
| Feeding | Peas don’t need much feeding — just compost or fish emulsion if weak |
| Mulching | Add straw or compost mulch to retain moisture in summer |
Avoid overhead watering to reduce fungal risks.
7. Succession Sowing for Long Harvests
To enjoy fresh peas for months, sow a new row every 2–3 weeks from March to June.
Choose a mix of early and maincrop varieties for overlapping yields.
💡 Tip: Stop sowing by early July — later crops are prone to mildew and poor yields.
8. Growing Peas in Pots or Containers
Perfect for small gardens or balconies.
🪴 Container tips:
- Choose deep pots or troughs (20–30 cm minimum depth)
- Use peat-free compost + perlite for drainage
- Sow dwarf peas or mange tout
- Provide a mini trellis or twiggy sticks
Water frequently — pots dry out faster than beds.
9. Pests & Problems
| Pest/Disease | Solution |
|---|---|
| Mice | Eat seeds — cover rows with mesh until germinated |
| Slugs/snails | Use wool pellets or copper rings, especially at seedling stage |
| Aphids | Blast with water, attract ladybirds |
| Powdery mildew | Improve airflow, water at base, avoid late sowings |
Peas are usually low-maintenance but monitor young plants closely.
10. Harvesting Peas
| Type | When to Harvest |
|---|---|
| Shelling peas | Pods fat, rounded, bright green |
| Mangetout | Pods flat, tender, just before seeds swell |
| Sugarsnap | Pods full but still crisp and juicy |
✅ Tips:
- Harvest daily or every other day to keep plants productive
- Use two hands to avoid damaging vines
- Store peas in the fridge, or freeze immediately after picking
11. Storing & Preserving Peas
- Fresh peas: Refrigerate in pod and use within 2–3 days
- Blanch & freeze: Ideal for maincrop varieties
- Drying: Grow heritage types like ‘Carlin’ peas for drying and winter use
12. Best Companion Plants for Peas
| Companion | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Carrots | Deter root pests |
| Radishes | Fast crop, break up soil |
| Lettuce | Provides ground cover |
| Nasturtiums | Trap crop for aphids |
| Cucumbers | Benefit from nitrogen peas fix |
Avoid planting near onions and garlic — they can inhibit pea growth.
Conclusion
Planting peas is an easy and rewarding experience for gardeners of all levels. With the right preparation, support, and care, you can grow crisp, sweet, delicious peas from early spring right through summer.
Whether you’re sowing a few dwarf peas in pots or setting up a full allotment row of climbers, follow this guide and you’ll be shelling (or snapping) your way to success in no time.
Top 10 FAQs About Planting Peas
1. When should I plant peas in the UK?
From late February to May. In mild areas, sow as early as February under cover.
2. Do peas need support to grow?
Yes — even short varieties benefit from twiggy sticks or mesh netting.
3. Can I plant peas in containers?
Absolutely — use deep pots, support sticks, and choose dwarf varieties.
4. How deep should I plant pea seeds?
3–5 cm deep in well-drained soil.
5. How far apart should pea seeds be?
Space seeds 5 cm apart, rows 30–45 cm apart.
6. How long do peas take to grow?
Around 10–14 weeks, depending on type and weather.
7. What’s the difference between mangetout, sugarsnap, and garden peas?
Mangetout = flat pods, edible.
Sugarsnap = plump pods, edible.
Garden peas = shell and eat the seeds.
8. Can I succession sow peas?
Yes — sow every 2–3 weeks from March to June for extended harvests.
9. Why are my pea plants yellowing?
Overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiency — check soil and mulch.
10. How do I stop birds or mice eating seeds?
Use netting, cloches, or wire mesh until plants are established.