Can You Plant Peas in Pots?

Many people assume that planting peas is only possible in a large garden, farmland, or open plot of land. However, with the rise of urban gardening and limited space, growing peas in pots has become an increasingly popular option. The answer is yes, you can plant peas in pots. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and challenges of growing peas in pots, the best varieties to choose, how to plant them, and the care they require.

The Benefits and Challenges of Growing Peas in Pots

One of the primary benefits of growing peas in pots is that you can grow them practically anywhere, whether you have a balcony, porch, or just a small patch of open space. They also grow quickly, typically taking 60-70 days from planting to harvest. There are, however, some challenges to growing peas in pots. A significant challenge is that peas require sufficient space to develop; otherwise, they may not grow well. Because the roots of the plants are confined to a pot, they may not receive the nutrients and space they require to grow healthily.

The Best Varieties to Choose

Peas come in various varieties, all of which have distinct characteristics. When planting your peas in pots, it’s important to choose a variety that’s suitable for container growing. Two pea varieties that grow excellent in containers are snap peas and dwarf peas. Snap peas are a cross between snow peas and garden peas, and the plants generally grow upwards of six feet tall. Dwarf peas, on the other hand, only grow to around one foot tall.

How to Plant Peas in Pots

Before planting your peas, you’ll need to decide which pot size you’ll use. A five-gallon pot is generally enough for a single pea plant. Alternatively, you can choose a longer planter box and add stakes or trellises. Once you’ve selected your pot, fill it with soil, leaving a little space toward the top. Make a trench that is about an inch deep with the potting soil and fill the trench up to the top with soil. The next step is to sow the seeds—in a five-gallon pot, you can sow four to six peas. Finish by watering the seeds, being careful not to overwater them.

Care for Peas in Pots

Peas require full sunlight and a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day. Ensure that your pots are placed in an area that receives adequate sunlight. Also, they need a good watering once a week or more, depending on weather conditions. Adding organic matter to the soil mix can help provide additional nutrients. Last but not least, using pea sticks or trellises can help keep the plants upright as they begin to grow and preventing them from collapsing under the weight of pea pods.

The Bottom Line

Peas are easy and fun to grow in pots with many unique benefits. Growing peas in pots requires careful selection of the right variety, pot size, soil, and appropriate care. With a little patience and attention, you too can enjoy cultivating fresh peas right in your own small-space garden.