When to Plant Peas in Seattle: A Guide for Gardeners

When To Plant Peas In Seattle

Spring is in the air, and that means it’s time to start thinking about planting peas in Seattle! Peas are a delicious and nutritious crop that can be enjoyed fresh from the garden or frozen for later use. But when is the best time to plant peas in Seattle?

The answer to that question depends on a few factors, including the weather, the variety of peas you’re planting, and your personal gardening goals. In this article, we’ll discuss all of these factors in detail so that you can plant peas with confidence and enjoy a bountiful harvest.

The Best Time to Plant Peas in Seattle

The best time to plant peas in Seattle is in early spring, as soon as the soil is warm enough to work. This is typically around the time of the last frost date, which is usually around April 15th. However, you can also plant peas in late summer or early fall for a fall harvest.

The Different Types of Peas

There are many different types of peas to choose from, each with its own unique flavor and characteristics. Some of the most popular varieties for Seattle gardeners include:

• English peas: These are the large, sweet peas that you’re most likely to find in the grocery store. They’re best for fresh eating and can be harvested when the pods are plump and green.
• Sugar snap peas: These are a cross between English peas and snow peas. They have a sweet, crunchy taste and are great for both fresh eating and freezing.
• Snow peas: These are small, flat peas that are eaten whole, pod and all. They have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and are perfect for stir-fries, salads, and other dishes.

Your Personal Gardening Goals

Finally, you need to consider your personal gardening goals when deciding when to plant peas. If you’re looking for a quick harvest, you can plant peas in early spring. However, if you’re willing to wait a little longer for a larger harvest, you can plant peas in late summer or early fall.

By following these tips, you can successfully plant peas in Seattle and enjoy a bountiful harvest. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!

| Plant Date | Days to Maturity | Harvest Date |
|—|—|—|
| April 15 | 60-65 days | June 15-July 1 |
| May 1 | 65-70 days | July 1-July 15 |
| May 15 | 70-75 days | July 15-August 1 |

Climate and Growing Conditions for Peas in Seattle

Peas are a cool-season crop that thrive in cool, moist weather. The ideal growing conditions for peas in Seattle include:

• Average temperatures between 45F and 75F. Peas will not germinate if the soil temperature is below 45F, and they will stop producing if the temperature exceeds 75F.
• Adequate rainfall or irrigation. Peas need regular water throughout the growing season, especially during dry spells.
• Full sun or partial shade. Peas will do best in full sun, but they can tolerate partial shade.
• Well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Peas do not tolerate poorly-drained soil or soil that is too acidic or alkaline.
• Avoid planting peas in areas with high winds. Peas are tall plants that can be damaged by strong winds.

Pests and Diseases

Peas are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including:

• Aphids. Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can damage pea plants by feeding on the leaves and stems.
• Cabbage loopers. Cabbage loopers are caterpillars that can eat large holes in pea leaves.
• Pea leaf weevils. Pea leaf weevils are small beetles that feed on the leaves of pea plants.
• Powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can cause white, powdery patches on the leaves of pea plants.
• Fusarium wilt. Fusarium wilt is a fungal disease that can cause the leaves of pea plants to wilt and die.

When to Plant Peas in Seattle

The best time to plant peas in Seattle is in the spring, when the soil temperature has warmed to at least 45F. Peas can be planted as early as March, but they will do best if they are planted after the last frost date.

Spring peas are harvested in the summer, and fall peas are harvested in the fall. Fall peas are more cold-tolerant than spring peas, and they can be planted as late as October.

Optimum Planting Time for Spring Peas

The optimum planting time for spring peas in Seattle is between March and April. Peas can be planted as early as March, but they will do best if they are planted after the last frost date.

Optimum Planting Time for Fall Peas

The optimum planting time for fall peas in Seattle is between September and October. Fall peas can be planted as late as October, but they will do best if they are planted before the first frost date.

Peas are a delicious and nutritious crop that can be grown in Seattle. By following these tips, you can successfully grow peas in your garden.

When To Plant Peas In Seattle?

Peas are a cool-season crop, which means they grow best in cool weather. The ideal planting time for peas in Seattle is from early to mid-April. However, you can also plant peas in late summer or early fall for a fall harvest.

When choosing a variety of peas to plant, it is important to consider the maturity date. Early-maturing varieties will be ready to harvest in about 60 days, while late-maturing varieties can take up to 80 days to mature.

How to Plant Peas in Seattle

To plant peas, you will need to:

• Choose a sunny spot in your garden that is protected from the wind.
• Prepare the soil by digging it up and adding compost or organic matter.
• Plant the seeds 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart.
• Cover the seeds with soil and water them well.

Peas can be grown in containers as well as in the ground. If you are planting peas in containers, use a potting mix that is well-drained.

Watering and Fertilizing Peas

Peas need regular watering, especially during dry weather. Water them deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry.

Peas do not require much fertilizer, but you can give them a light application of compost or organic fertilizer once a month.

Pest Control

Peas are susceptible to a variety of pests, including aphids, pea weevils, and pea moths. You can control these pests by spraying your plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Disease Prevention

Peas can also be affected by a variety of diseases, including powdery mildew, rust, and bacterial blight. You can prevent these diseases by planting disease-resistant varieties of peas, rotating your crops, and keeping your garden free of weeds.

Harvesting Peas

Peas are ready to harvest when the pods are plump and full. To harvest peas, snap them off the vine just below the pod. You can eat peas fresh or freeze them for later use.

Peas are a delicious and nutritious vegetable that is easy to grow in Seattle. By following these tips, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of peas every year.

When is the best time to plant peas in Seattle?

The best time to plant peas in Seattle is in early spring, when the soil has warmed up to at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Peas are a cool-weather crop, so they will not tolerate frost.

What type of peas should I plant in Seattle?

There are many different types of peas that can be grown in Seattle, including English peas, snow peas, and snap peas. English peas are the most common type of pea grown in the Pacific Northwest, and they are typically harvested when the pods are still green and immature. Snow peas and snap peas are also popular choices, and they can be harvested when the pods are either green or mature and yellow.

How do I plant peas in Seattle?

To plant peas in Seattle, you will need to prepare the soil by tilling it to a depth of 6 inches and removing any rocks or debris. Peas prefer a soil pH of 6.0 to 6.8, so you may need to add lime to the soil if it is too acidic. Peas are also heavy feeders, so you will need to add a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen to the soil before planting.

Once the soil is prepared, you can plant the peas in rows that are 2 to 3 feet apart. Sow the seeds 1 to 2 inches apart, and cover them with soil. Water the seeds well, and keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge.

How do I care for peas in Seattle?

Peas are relatively easy to care for, but there are a few things you can do to help them grow well.

• Water the peas regularly, especially during dry spells.
• Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and keep the soil cool.
• Fertilize the plants with a high-nitrogen fertilizer every 2 to 3 weeks.
• Protect the plants from pests and diseases.

When do I harvest peas in Seattle?

Peas can be harvested when the pods are plump and full. English peas should be harvested when the pods are still green and immature. Snow peas and snap peas can be harvested when the pods are either green or mature and yellow.

To harvest peas, simply snap the pods off the vine. Be careful not to damage the pods, as this can lead to spoilage.

How can I store peas in Seattle?

Peas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. To store peas, place them in a sealed container or bag and store them in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator.

Peas can also be frozen for longer storage. To freeze peas, blanch them in boiling water for 2 minutes, then shock them in ice water. Drain the peas well, and place them in a sealed freezer bag. Freeze the peas for up to 6 months.

When to plant peas in Seattle is a question that many gardeners have. The answer depends on a few factors, including the last frost date, the variety of peas you are planting, and your desired harvest date.

The last frost date in Seattle is typically around April 15th. This means that you can start planting peas outdoors around this time. However, if you want to get a head start on the season, you can start peas indoors about 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.

When planting peas outdoors, it is important to choose a location that gets full sun. Peas are a cool-season crop and do not do well in hot weather. They also need well-drained soil.

There are many different varieties of peas to choose from. Some of the most popular varieties for Seattle include:

• Early Perfection peas: These peas mature in about 60 days and are a good choice for early spring planting.
• Sugar snap peas: These peas are sweet and tender and are a good choice for fresh eating.
• Snow peas: These peas have flat pods that are eaten whole. They are a good choice for stir-frying or salads.

The best time to harvest peas is when the pods are plump and full. You can harvest peas by snapping them off the vine.

Peas are a delicious and nutritious addition to any garden. By following these tips, you can enjoy fresh peas from your own garden all season long.

Here are some key takeaways to remember when planting peas in Seattle:

• The last frost date in Seattle is typically around April 15th.
• You can start peas indoors about 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.
• Peas need full sun and well-drained soil.
• There are many different varieties of peas to choose from.
• The best time to harvest peas is when the pods are plump and full.

By following these tips, you can enjoy fresh peas from your own garden all season long.