The unexpected way to boost your peas’ production

February 20, 2025

The Secret to Bigger, Happier Pea Plants

Nothing beats the joy of picking fresh peas straight from the vine. The pop of a perfectly ripe pod, the rush of sweetness as you snack in the garden—it’s pure bliss! But what if your pea plants could give you even more? Turns out, there’s a simple trick most gardeners overlook that can take your pea harvest to the next level. And you won’t need fancy fertilisers or secret potions—just a shift in how you grow them.

The Magic of Consistent Picking

Here’s the deal—peas are like that one friend who always wants to be useful. The more you pick, the more they produce! When peas sit on the vine too long, the plant gets a message: “Job done! No need to make more.” But if you keep harvesting regularly, the plant stays in overdrive, pushing out more flowers, more pods, and, ultimately, more delicious peas for you to enjoy.

The trick is never letting your peas get too comfortable. As soon as the pods are plump but still tender, pluck them. Even if you’re not ready to eat them all, pick them anyway. You can always blanch and freeze extras for later, but if they stay too long on the vine, your plant will slow down production.

Give Them a Climbing Frame

Peas love to climb, and their tiny tendrils will grab onto anything they can. Giving them a sturdy trellis or frame to grow on is like offering them a five-star resort. It keeps them off the ground, improves air circulation, and helps them put all their energy into flowering and fruiting instead of struggling to find support. Plus, keeping the plants upright means it’s a breeze to spot and pick ripe pods, so nothing goes to waste.

Watering the Right Way

Peas don’t like soggy roots, but they do need consistent moisture to keep producing. A deep soak once or twice a week is better than a daily sprinkle. This encourages their roots to grow deeper into the soil, making them more resilient and productive. A layer of mulch around the base will help keep moisture levels steady and reduce the chance of soil drying out too fast.

A Gentle Boost of Nutrition

Peas are pretty self-sufficient because they can grab nitrogen from the air and “fix” it into the soil. But they still appreciate a little extra care. A light application of an organic liquid fertiliser every couple of weeks, especially as they start flowering, can keep them thriving. Too much nitrogen-heavy fertiliser will give you lush leaves but fewer peas, so keep it balanced.

Show Them Some Love

Growing peas isn’t just about getting a bigger harvest—it’s about enjoying the process. Checking in on your plants, running your hands over the leaves, and watching the tendrils wrap around their supports is part of the magic. When you build a routine of caring for them, they repay you with abundance.

So, if you want more peas and a garden that keeps on giving, start picking early, pick often, and give your plants the support they need. It’s a little effort with a big reward. And trust me, the taste of homegrown peas will have you coming back for more.

Happy gardening!

— Candeece