Peas in Stirling
Pisum sativum
A cool-season legume grown for its sweet pods or shelling peas. In the UK, peas thrive in early spring and autumn, needing support and protection from pests like mice and pigeons.
- Height
- 100cm
- Sunlight
- Full Shade
- Water
- High Water
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Peas
Planting Calendar
Growing Guide for
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Sow mangetout peas directly outdoors for a later, continuous harvest. This method suits warmer soil and reduces transplant shock.
Sow Seeds Directly
16 Apr – 30 Aprevery 3 weeksSow seeds in a prepared trench outdoors 16th April - 30th April. Space seeds apart in rows apart, covering with of soil. Water well and cover with netting to deter mice and birds.
Thin Seedlings
7 May – 14 MayThin seedlings to apart once they have two true leaves 7th May - 14th May. Remove weaker plants to give the rest room to grow, and install pea sticks or netting immediately to provide support.
Water and Protect
28 May – 27 SeptWater heavily when flowers appear 28th May - 27th September to ensure good pod development. Keep the area netted to protect from pigeons, and mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Harvest Mangetout
22 Jun – 27 SeptPick pods frequently while they are completely flat 22nd June - 27th September. Regular harvesting encourages more flowers and extends the cropping period. Use a gentle twist to avoid damaging the plant.
Companion Plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Peas.
Good companions
Plants to avoid
Why companion planting matters
Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.
Suggested Varieties
Popular varieties of Peas to consider
Kelvedon Wonder
A reliable early garden pea with sweet, small pods. It's resistant to mildew and good for cooler UK springs.
Oregon Sugar Pod
A mangetout variety with flat, tender pods that are best harvested young. It's vigorous and suits direct sowing.
Sugar Snap
A dual-purpose pea with edible pods that swell like garden peas. It's crunchy and sweet, needing regular picking.
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Brussels Sprouts
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Calabrese
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