Garden Variety is back after a week spending time with her grandson, who is in town visiting all his relatives! Even the garden can't beat time with Mikey!

So, we will be doing some catching up here.....

Peas

Pisum sativum

Text and photo by Bob Orazi

People think spring and peas go together, but it’s difficult to get peas planted and germinated in the cool, wet soils of a Maryland spring. There’s another option, however.

During the period between mid-July and August, you can plant a successful fall crop of peas. Look for space where your potatoes, lettuce, or cole crops were harvested.

Peas are a legume and produce their own nitrogen but not enough, so incorporate a balanced fertilizer into the planting space.  Moisten the soil before planting, then place the seeds 1 to 1 1/2 inches deep and 1 to 3 inches apart. They will grow 50 to 70 days before harvest.

Harvest the pods every 3-4 days to keep new pods forming. Peas will survive temperatures in the 20’s, so your autumn vegetable can keep you in peas for a long time.