Peas are an annual self-pollinating plant from the legume family. Its stem is rounded, branching. In length can reach 2 m or more. A tendril is formed at the end of the petiole of the leaf. Flowers grow from the axils of the leaves, 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 peas to a depth of about 4 cm. sprouted peas were not pulled out by the tail. There should be 10 cm between plants in a row, and 20 cm between rows.
Before planting, peas must be soaked in water for 12 hours. It is impossible to exceed the specified time, since the peas can fall apart into two halves, and there will be no shoots. If circumstances change, and it is not possible to plant wet peas, then the water must be drained, the peas should be covered with a damp cloth and placed in a cool place.
It happens that snow falls after planting, and at night there are frosts. The cultivation of peas will not suffer from this, sincethe plant is frost-resistant. It will only stop growing, and when the sun warms up, it will start moving again.
When the sprouts reach 10 cm, it is necessary to place 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 of regular watering and loosening of row spacing.
Growing peas in the country gives the greatest joy to children who love to feast on them. Having planted it at the end of April, the first crop will ripen in early July. Usually it is eaten green, and nothing is left for preparations for the winter. Of course, if the territory of the site allows, you can plant more. And you can do it differently.
When it's time to plant potatoes, you need to throw 1-2 peas into each hole. And you can forget about them before digging potatoes. Growing peas alongside potatoes is beneficial for many reasons. Cultures germinate almost simultaneously. Peas use potato tops as a support, without interfering with it. Moreover, beneficial bacteria develop on the roots of peas, which contribute to the accumulation of nitrogen in the soil and cleanse the nematode.
There is no need to water, as the peas are planted deep (on the bayonet of a shovel), and moisture from the rains will be enough. And potatoes are spudded twice a season, therefore, peas. The yield from a potato field is much higher than from a garden, there are more pods on a bush, and they are longer. You need to harvest peasjust before digging potatoes. By the way, growing peas along with potatoes greatly reduces the amount of Colorado potato beetle that can be harvested by hand without using pesticides.
Harvested can be frozen, dried and canned. For freezing, peeled peas must be washed, poured with water and brought to a boil. Drain the water, dry the peas and pack in bags, freeze. Use for salads, soups, garnish.
You need to dry the peas in the shade, and dry them in the oven at 50 0C with the door open. In winter, it will need to be soaked, and it will become as soon as from the garden.
