When is the best time to plant peas?

The best time to plant pea seeds is about one month before the last frost is expected. It is helpful to prepare the bed in the fall by turning over any previous plants, adding fertilizer and mulching.

Pea plants grow best when the seeds are planted directly in the soil. Although they germinate when started in peat pots indoors, they do not adjust well when transplanted.

Different varieties of peas -- early, mid-season, late -- grow at different rates. If they are planted at the same time, they are ready for harvesting at different times, providing fresh peas for many months.