Pea is an annual self-pollinating plant from the legume family. Its stem is round-shaped, branching. In length can reach 2 m or more. A mustache is formed at the end of the leaf petiole. Flowers from the sinuses of the leaves grow, usually white.
Growing peas is a simple task. As soon as the snow melts and the earth dries out a little, you need to form a bed of the desired length with a width of 1 m. Make grooves across it, moisten them and plant the peas to a depth of about 4 cm. Cover the ground and humus from above, be sure to slap your palm or plank so that the birds sprouted peas were not pulled by the tail. Between plants should be in a row of 10 cm, and between rows - 20 cm.
Before planting, peas must be soaked in water for 12 hours. The specified time cannot be exceeded, since the peas can fall into two halves, and there will be no seedlings. If circumstances change, and it is not possible to plant soaked peas, then the water needs to be drained, the peas covered with a damp cloth and placed in a cool place.
It happens that snow falls after planting, and at night there are frosts. Growing peas will not suffer from this, since the plant is frost-resistant. It will only stop in growth, and as the sun warms, it will move again.
When the sprouts reach 10 cm, it is necessary to put supports, preferably between the rows, so as not to damage the root system of such a wonderful crop as peas. Cultivation and care in the future will consist in regular watering and cultivating row-spacings.
Growing peas in the country gives the greatest joy to children who love to feast on them. Having planted it in late April, the first crop will ripen in early July. Usually it is eaten in green, and nothing remains for harvesting for the winter. Of course, if the site allows, you can plant more. And you can do differently.
When the time comes to plant potatoes, then 1-2 peas should be thrown into each hole. And you can forget about them before digging potatoes. Growing peas with potatoes is beneficial for many reasons. Cultures emerge almost simultaneously. Pea uses potato tops as a support without disturbing it. Moreover, beneficial bacteria develop on pea roots that promote the accumulation of nitrogen in the soil and cleanse the nematodes.
Watering is not necessary, since the peas are planted deep (on the
bayonet of a shovel), and there will be enough moisture from the rains. And also potatoes are spiced up twice a season, therefore, peas. Yields from the potato field are much higher than from the beds, there are more pods on the bush, and they are longer. You need to harvest peas immediately before digging potatoes. By the way, growing peas along with potatoes greatly reduces the amount of Colorado potato beetle, which can be harvested manually without using pesticides.
Harvested crops can be frozen, dried and canned. To freeze peas peeled from pods, it is necessary to rinse, add water and bring to a boil. Drain the water, dry the peas and pack them in bags, freeze. Use for salads, soups, side dishes.
Peas should be dried in the shade, and dried in the oven at 50 ° C with the door open. In winter, it will need to be soaked, and it will become, as soon as from the garden.