General Information

• Scroll down or click on any month for plant care instructions
  • January
  • February
  • March
  • April
  • September
  • October
  • November
  • December

  January 1. Buy Buy plants in the nursery when available. 2. Plant Plant in a full-sun location in rich, well-draining soil that is slightly acid to slightly alkaline. If organic matter is low, work in 2 to 4 inches of homemade or bagged compost. Plant 4 inches apart with 2 feet between rows for bush types and 4 feet between rows for tall, vining varieties. 3. Sow Seeds Soak seeds overnight before sowing. Plant in light, well-draining soil that is slightly acid to slightly neutral. Plant seed 1/2-inch deep, 2 to 4 inches apart in the ground. Seed can also be planted in containers for later transplant. Keep soil moist but not soggy during germination. 4. Fertilize If not done the prior month, fertilize when the plant begins to flower with a balanced fertilizer designed for vegetable crops. Avoid overfeeding, as excessive nitrogen leads to foliage but no flowers. 5. Water Keep soil surrounding plants moist but not soggy. If soil is moist and Santa Ana winds blow, mist foliage to keep plants from drying out. 6. Pest/Disease Inspection Check for signs of aphids and powdery mildew. 7. Treat for Pest/Disease Treat aphids by rinsing plants with a strong spray of water--repeating once a day until they are gone. If aphids persist, treat with insecticidal soap. For powdery mildew treatment, remove and dispose of affected leaves and prevent further infestation by spraying remaining foliage with horticultural oil, neem oil or a biological fungicide. 8. Transplant Transplant plants seeded in containers to a full-sun location in rich, well-draining soil that is slightly acid to slightly alkaline. If organic matter is low, work in 2 to 4 inches of homemade or bagged compost. Plant 4 inches apart with 2 feet between rows for bush types and 4 feet between rows for tall, vining varieties. 9. Harvest Most peas are ready to harvest 55 to 70 days after seeding. Start harvesting shelling peas when they have swelled to almost a round shape and are bright green in color. Harvest edible-pod peas before they begin swelling when they reach 2 to 3 inches long. Harvest regularly, as peas allowed to over-ripen on the vine will cause the plant to stop producing. 10. Special requirements Vining types of peas require trellising.

  February 1. Buy Buy plants in the nursery when available. 2. Plant Plant in a full-sun location in rich, well-draining soil that is slightly acid to slightly alkaline. If organic matter is low, work in 2 to 4 inches of homemade or bagged compost. Plant 4 inches apart with 2 feet between rows for bush types and 4 feet between rows for tall, vining varieties. 3. Sow Seeds Soak seeds overnight before sowing. Plant in light, well-draining soil that is slightly acid to slightly neutral. Plant seed 1/2-inch deep, 2 to 4 inches apart in the ground. Seed can also be planted in containers for later transplant. Keep soil moist but not soggy during germination. 4. Fertilize If not done the prior month, fertilize when the plant begins to flower with a balanced fertilizer designed for vegetable crops. Avoid overfeeding, as excessive nitrogen leads to foliage but no flowers. 5. Water Keep soil surrounding plants moist but not soggy. If soil is moist and Santa Ana winds blow, mist foliage to keep plants from drying out. 6. Pest/Disease Inspection Check for signs of aphids and powdery mildew. 7. Treat for Pest/Disease Treat aphids by rinsing plants with a strong spray of water--repeating once a day until they are gone. If aphids persist, treat with insecticidal soap. For powdery mildew treatment, remove and dispose of affected leaves and prevent further infestation by spraying remaining foliage with horticultural oil, neem oil or a biological fungicide. 8. Transplant Transplant plants seeded in containers to a full-sun location in rich, well-draining soil that is slightly acid to slightly alkaline. If organic matter is low, work in 2 to 4 inches of homemade or bagged compost. Plant 4 inches apart with 2 feet between rows for bush types and 4 feet between rows for tall, vining varieties. 9. Harvest Most peas are ready to harvest 55 to 70 days after seeding. Start harvesting shelling peas when they have swelled to almost a round shape and are bright green in color. Harvest edible-pod peas before they begin swelling when they reach 2 to 3 inches long. Harvest regularly, as peas allowed to over-ripen on the vine will cause the plant to stop producing. 10. Special requirements Vining types of peas require trellising.

  March 1. Water Keep soil surrounding plants moist but not soggy. If soil is moist and Santa Ana winds blow, mist foliage to keep plants from drying out. 2. Mulch Mulch with a 1-inch layer of shredded bark to keep soil cool and moist. 3. Pest/Disease Inspection Check for signs of aphids and powdery mildew. 4. Treat for Pest/Disease Treat aphids by rinsing plants with a strong spray of water--repeating once a day until they are gone. If aphids persist, treat with insecticidal soap. For powdery mildew treatment, remove and dispose of affected leaves and prevent further infestation by spraying remaining foliage with horticultural oil, neem oil or a biological fungicide. 5. Transplant Transplant plants seeded in containers to a full-sun location in rich, well-draining soil that is slightly acid to slightly alkaline. If organic matter is low, work in 2 to 4 inches of homemade or bagged compost. Plant 4 inches apart with 2 feet between rows for bush types and 4 feet between rows for tall, vining varieties. 6. Harvest Most peas are ready to harvest 55 to 70 days after seeding. Start harvesting shelling peas when they have swelled to almost a round shape and are bright green in color. Harvest edible-pod peas before they begin swelling when they reach 2 to 3 inches long. Harvest regularly, as peas allowed to over-ripen on the vine will cause the plant to stop producing. 7. Special requirements Vining types of peas require trellising.

  April 1. Water Keep soil surrounding plants moist but not soggy. If soil is moist and Santa Ana winds blow, mist foliage to keep plants from drying out. 2. Mulch Mulch with a 1-inch layer of shredded bark to keep soil cool and moist. 3. Pest/Disease Inspection Check for signs of aphids and powdery mildew. 4. Treat for Pest/Disease Treat aphids by rinsing plants with a strong spray of water--repeating once a day until they are gone. If aphids persist, treat with insecticidal soap. For powdery mildew treatment, remove and dispose of affected leaves and prevent further infestation by spraying remaining foliage with horticultural oil, neem oil or a biological fungicide. 5. Harvest Most peas are ready to harvest 55 to 70 days after seeding. Start harvesting shelling peas when they have swelled to almost a round shape and are bright green in color. Harvest edible-pod peas before they begin swelling when they reach 2 to 3 inches long. Harvest regularly, as peas allowed to over-ripen on the vine will cause the plant to stop producing. 6. Special requirements Vining types of peas require trellising.

  September 1. Sow Seeds Soak seeds overnight before sowing. Plant in light, well-draining soil that is slightly acid to slightly neutral. Plant seed 1/2-inch deep, 2 to 4 inches apart in the ground. Seed can also be planted in containers for later transplant. Keep soil moist but not soggy during germination.

  October 1. Sow Seeds Soak seeds overnight before sowing. Plant in light, well-draining soil that is slightly acid to slightly neutral. Plant seed 1/2-inch deep, 2 to 4 inches apart in the ground. Seed can also be planted in containers for later transplant. Keep soil moist but not soggy during germination.

  November 1. Buy Buy plants in the nursery when available. 2. Plant Plant in a full-sun location in rich, well-draining soil that is slightly acid to slightly alkaline. If organic matter is low, work in 2 to 4 inches of homemade or bagged compost. Plant 4 inches apart with 2 feet between rows for bush types and 4 feet between rows for tall, vining varieties. 3. Sow Seeds Soak seeds overnight before sowing. Plant in light, well-draining soil that is slightly acid to slightly neutral. Plant seed 1/2-inch deep, 2 to 4 inches apart in the ground. Seed can also be planted in containers for later transplant. Keep soil moist but not soggy during germination. 4. Water Keep soil surrounding plants moist but not soggy. If soil is moist and Santa Ana winds blow, mist foliage to keep plants from drying out. 5. Pest/Disease Inspection Check for signs of aphids and powdery mildew. 6. Special requirements Vining types of peas require trellising.

  December 1. Buy Buy plants in the nursery when available. 2. Plant Plant in a full-sun location in rich, well-draining soil that is slightly acid to slightly alkaline. If organic matter is low, work in 2 to 4 inches of homemade or bagged compost. Plant 4 inches apart with 2 feet between rows for bush types and 4 feet between rows for tall, vining varieties. 3. Sow Seeds Soak seeds overnight before sowing. Plant in light, well-draining soil that is slightly acid to slightly neutral. Plant seed 1/2-inch deep, 2 to 4 inches apart in the ground. Seed can also be planted in containers for later transplant. Keep soil moist but not soggy during germination. 4. Fertilize When the plant begins to flower, fertilize with a balanced fertilizer designed for vegetable crops. 5. Water Keep soil surrounding plants moist but not soggy. If soil is moist and Santa Ana winds blow, mist foliage to keep plants from drying out. 6. Pest/Disease Inspection Check for signs of aphids and powdery mildew. 7. Treat for Pest/Disease Treat aphids by rinsing plants with a strong spray of water--repeating once a day until they are gone. If aphids persist, treat with insecticidal soap. For powdery mildew treatment, remove and dispose of affected leaves and prevent further infestation by spraying remaining foliage with horticultural oil, neem oil or a biological fungicide. 8. Transplant Transplant plants seeded in containers to a full-sun location in rich, well-draining soil that is slightly acid to slightly alkaline. If organic matter is low, work in 2 to 4 inches of homemade or bagged compost. Plant 4 inches apart with 2 feet between rows for bush types and 4 feet between rows for tall, vining varieties. 9. Harvest Most peas are ready to harvest 55 to 70 days after seeding. Start harvesting shelling peas when they have swelled to almost a round shape and are bright green in color. Harvest edible-pod peas before they begin swelling when they reach 2 to 3 inches long. Harvest regularly, as peas allowed to over-ripen on the vine will cause the plant to stop producing. 10. Special requirements Vining types of peas require trellising.

• Buy When's the best time to buy this plant? When can you buy these from seed (if you can)? When is it usually available? What are things to look for when you're buying it? Or anything other tidbit of information you can share! January Buy plants in the nursery when available. February Buy plants in the nursery when available. November Buy plants in the nursery when available. December Buy plants in the nursery when available.

  Plant When's a good time to plant this plant or bulb? Any special planting instructions? January Plant in a full-sun location in rich, well-draining soil that is slightly acid to slightly alkaline. If organic matter is low, work in 2 to 4 inches of homemade or bagged compost. Plant 4 inches apart with 2 feet between rows for bush types and 4 feet between rows for tall, vining varieties. February Plant in a full-sun location in rich, well-draining soil that is slightly acid to slightly alkaline. If organic matter is low, work in 2 to 4 inches of homemade or bagged compost. Plant 4 inches apart with 2 feet between rows for bush types and 4 feet between rows for tall, vining varieties. November Plant in a full-sun location in rich, well-draining soil that is slightly acid to slightly alkaline. If organic matter is low, work in 2 to 4 inches of homemade or bagged compost. Plant 4 inches apart with 2 feet between rows for bush types and 4 feet between rows for tall, vining varieties. December Plant in a full-sun location in rich, well-draining soil that is slightly acid to slightly alkaline. If organic matter is low, work in 2 to 4 inches of homemade or bagged compost. Plant 4 inches apart with 2 feet between rows for bush types and 4 feet between rows for tall, vining varieties.

  Sow Seeds When can you plant these seeds? When's the best time? Can you start them indoors and move them out? Do they have any special requirements? January Soak seeds overnight before sowing. Plant in light, well-draining soil that is slightly acid to slightly neutral. Plant seed 1/2-inch deep, 2 to 4 inches apart in the ground. Seed can also be planted in containers for later transplant. Keep soil moist but not soggy during germination. February Soak seeds overnight before sowing. Plant in light, well-draining soil that is slightly acid to slightly neutral. Plant seed 1/2-inch deep, 2 to 4 inches apart in the ground. Seed can also be planted in containers for later transplant. Keep soil moist but not soggy during germination. September Soak seeds overnight before sowing. Plant in light, well-draining soil that is slightly acid to slightly neutral. Plant seed 1/2-inch deep, 2 to 4 inches apart in the ground. Seed can also be planted in containers for later transplant. Keep soil moist but not soggy during germination. October Soak seeds overnight before sowing. Plant in light, well-draining soil that is slightly acid to slightly neutral. Plant seed 1/2-inch deep, 2 to 4 inches apart in the ground. Seed can also be planted in containers for later transplant. Keep soil moist but not soggy during germination. November Soak seeds overnight before sowing. Plant in light, well-draining soil that is slightly acid to slightly neutral. Plant seed 1/2-inch deep, 2 to 4 inches apart in the ground. Seed can also be planted in containers for later transplant. Keep soil moist but not soggy during germination. December Soak seeds overnight before sowing. Plant in light, well-draining soil that is slightly acid to slightly neutral. Plant seed 1/2-inch deep, 2 to 4 inches apart in the ground. Seed can also be planted in containers for later transplant. Keep soil moist but not soggy during germination.

  Fertilize When should you fertilize this plant? Which kind of fertilizer do you recommend? Should you use different fertilizers at different times of year? January If not done the prior month, fertilize when the plant begins to flower with a balanced fertilizer designed for vegetable crops. Avoid overfeeding, as excessive nitrogen leads to foliage but no flowers. February If not done the prior month, fertilize when the plant begins to flower with a balanced fertilizer designed for vegetable crops. Avoid overfeeding, as excessive nitrogen leads to foliage but no flowers. December When the plant begins to flower, fertilize with a balanced fertilizer designed for vegetable crops.

  Water Is there a time to reduce or increase watering? Any special requirements? Things to avoid during certain times of the year? January Keep soil surrounding plants moist but not soggy. If soil is moist and Santa Ana winds blow, mist foliage to keep plants from drying out. February Keep soil surrounding plants moist but not soggy. If soil is moist and Santa Ana winds blow, mist foliage to keep plants from drying out. March Keep soil surrounding plants moist but not soggy. If soil is moist and Santa Ana winds blow, mist foliage to keep plants from drying out. April Keep soil surrounding plants moist but not soggy. If soil is moist and Santa Ana winds blow, mist foliage to keep plants from drying out. November Keep soil surrounding plants moist but not soggy. If soil is moist and Santa Ana winds blow, mist foliage to keep plants from drying out. December Keep soil surrounding plants moist but not soggy. If soil is moist and Santa Ana winds blow, mist foliage to keep plants from drying out.

  Mulch Does this plant need to be mulched? Are there specific types of Mulch which are better for this plant? How much? March Mulch with a 1-inch layer of shredded bark to keep soil cool and moist. April Mulch with a 1-inch layer of shredded bark to keep soil cool and moist.

  Pest/Disease Inspection What are the common problems this plant will face and when should you look for them to appear? January Check for signs of aphids and powdery mildew. February Check for signs of aphids and powdery mildew. March Check for signs of aphids and powdery mildew. April Check for signs of aphids and powdery mildew. November Check for signs of aphids and powdery mildew. December Check for signs of aphids and powdery mildew.

  Treat for Pest/Disease How do you treat the common problems for this plant? What products or concoctions or natural means do you use? Any special requirements? January Treat aphids by rinsing plants with a strong spray of water--repeating once a day until they are gone. If aphids persist, treat with insecticidal soap. For powdery mildew treatment, remove and dispose of affected leaves and prevent further infestation by spraying remaining foliage with horticultural oil, neem oil or a biological fungicide. February Treat aphids by rinsing plants with a strong spray of water--repeating once a day until they are gone. If aphids persist, treat with insecticidal soap. For powdery mildew treatment, remove and dispose of affected leaves and prevent further infestation by spraying remaining foliage with horticultural oil, neem oil or a biological fungicide. March Treat aphids by rinsing plants with a strong spray of water--repeating once a day until they are gone. If aphids persist, treat with insecticidal soap. For powdery mildew treatment, remove and dispose of affected leaves and prevent further infestation by spraying remaining foliage with horticultural oil, neem oil or a biological fungicide. April Treat aphids by rinsing plants with a strong spray of water--repeating once a day until they are gone. If aphids persist, treat with insecticidal soap. For powdery mildew treatment, remove and dispose of affected leaves and prevent further infestation by spraying remaining foliage with horticultural oil, neem oil or a biological fungicide. December Treat aphids by rinsing plants with a strong spray of water--repeating once a day until they are gone. If aphids persist, treat with insecticidal soap. For powdery mildew treatment, remove and dispose of affected leaves and prevent further infestation by spraying remaining foliage with horticultural oil, neem oil or a biological fungicide.

  Transplant When's the best time to dig up and transplant this from one spot to another? (This is different than planting). Any special requirements? January Transplant plants seeded in containers to a full-sun location in rich, well-draining soil that is slightly acid to slightly alkaline. If organic matter is low, work in 2 to 4 inches of homemade or bagged compost. Plant 4 inches apart with 2 feet between rows for bush types and 4 feet between rows for tall, vining varieties. February Transplant plants seeded in containers to a full-sun location in rich, well-draining soil that is slightly acid to slightly alkaline. If organic matter is low, work in 2 to 4 inches of homemade or bagged compost. Plant 4 inches apart with 2 feet between rows for bush types and 4 feet between rows for tall, vining varieties. March Transplant plants seeded in containers to a full-sun location in rich, well-draining soil that is slightly acid to slightly alkaline. If organic matter is low, work in 2 to 4 inches of homemade or bagged compost. Plant 4 inches apart with 2 feet between rows for bush types and 4 feet between rows for tall, vining varieties. December Transplant plants seeded in containers to a full-sun location in rich, well-draining soil that is slightly acid to slightly alkaline. If organic matter is low, work in 2 to 4 inches of homemade or bagged compost. Plant 4 inches apart with 2 feet between rows for bush types and 4 feet between rows for tall, vining varieties.

  Harvest When's a good time to harvest this plant? What's the best way to harvest? Are there special requirements or features? January Most peas are ready to harvest 55 to 70 days after seeding. Start harvesting shelling peas when they have swelled to almost a round shape and are bright green in color. Harvest edible-pod peas before they begin swelling when they reach 2 to 3 inches long. Harvest regularly, as peas allowed to over-ripen on the vine will cause the plant to stop producing. February Most peas are ready to harvest 55 to 70 days after seeding. Start harvesting shelling peas when they have swelled to almost a round shape and are bright green in color. Harvest edible-pod peas before they begin swelling when they reach 2 to 3 inches long. Harvest regularly, as peas allowed to over-ripen on the vine will cause the plant to stop producing. March Most peas are ready to harvest 55 to 70 days after seeding. Start harvesting shelling peas when they have swelled to almost a round shape and are bright green in color. Harvest edible-pod peas before they begin swelling when they reach 2 to 3 inches long. Harvest regularly, as peas allowed to over-ripen on the vine will cause the plant to stop producing. April Most peas are ready to harvest 55 to 70 days after seeding. Start harvesting shelling peas when they have swelled to almost a round shape and are bright green in color. Harvest edible-pod peas before they begin swelling when they reach 2 to 3 inches long. Harvest regularly, as peas allowed to over-ripen on the vine will cause the plant to stop producing. December Most peas are ready to harvest 55 to 70 days after seeding. Start harvesting shelling peas when they have swelled to almost a round shape and are bright green in color. Harvest edible-pod peas before they begin swelling when they reach 2 to 3 inches long. Harvest regularly, as peas allowed to over-ripen on the vine will cause the plant to stop producing.

  Special requirements Any other requirement for this plant? Is there anything that doesn't fit into the other care categories? January Vining types of peas require trellising. February Vining types of peas require trellising. March Vining types of peas require trellising. April Vining types of peas require trellising. November Vining types of peas require trellising. December Vining types of peas require trellising.