10 Easiest Plants to Grow from Seeds (Guide + Tips)

#8 – Peas: Cool Season Champion

I still remember the day I discovered peas could survive a late snow! There they were, my little pea seedlings, poking through a dusting of white, as hardy as can be. Since then, these cool-weather warriors have become my favorite way to kick off the growing season. Plus, there’s nothing quite like watching kids discover the joy of eating peas straight from the vine!

Early Spring Planting Success

Here’s my tried-and-true timing strategy:

• Plant as soon as soil can be worked
• Soil temperature 45°F minimum
• 6-8 weeks before last frost
• Test soil by making a ball
• Pre-sprout seeds for faster starts

Trellis Solutions That Really Work

After years of experimentation, here are my favorite support systems:

1. Traditional Options:

• Pea netting (my go-to!)
• Chicken wire fencing
• Bamboo teepees
• String grids

1. Creative Solutions:

• Old ladder sideways
• Repurposed baby cribs
• Branch trellises
• Cattle panels (perfect arch!)

Soil Preparation Secrets

Get this right, and you’re halfway to success:

• Add compost before planting
• Avoid fresh manure
• Incorporate aged manure
• Test soil pH (6.0-7.0 ideal)
• Add inoculant for better growth

Perfect Timing for Harvest

Here’s how to know when your peas are ready for picking:

1. Snow Peas:

• Harvest when pods are flat
• Before peas swell
• 2-3 inches long
• Still tender and crisp

1. Shell Peas:

• Pods should be plump
• Feel individual peas
• Dark green color
• Test one pod first

Fall Planting Magic

Yes, you can have a second pea harvest! Here’s how:

• Calculate 75 days before first frost
• Plant in late summer
• Provide extra shade initially
• Water more frequently
• Use frost protection if needed

Pro Growing Tips

These tricks have saved my pea harvests countless times:

1. Temperature Management:

• Protect from late frosts
• Use row covers
• Provide afternoon shade
• Monitor soil moisture

1. Maintenance Tips:

• Pick regularly
• Remove yellowing leaves
• Keep base mulched
• Watch for pests

Best Varieties for Different Uses

My students’ favorites after countless taste tests:

Shell Peas:

• ‘Green Arrow’ – Reliable producer
• ‘Wando’ – Heat tolerant
• ‘Little Marvel’ – Compact plants

Snow Peas:

• ‘Oregon Sugar Pod II’ – Disease resistant
• ‘Mammoth Melting Sugar’ – Extra tall
• ‘Snow Wind’ – Early producer

Ready to add some edible flowers to your garden? Click that next button to discover the wonderful world of nasturtiums! These peppery beauties not only look stunning but are completely edible from flower to leaf. Wait until you hear how I use them to create the most gorgeous salads ever!

Want to learn about flowers you can eat? The next section about nasturtiums will add both beauty and flavor to your garden!