Most people think that the only place you can find peas is in a pod, but did you know that there is how to grow peas indoors? Peas are a great vegetable to grow indoors because they are easy to care for and don’t take up much space. They are also not as demanding as other houseplants like dragon fruits, which means, with a little effort, you can have a thriving pea plant in no time. This article will tell you everything you need to know about how to grow peas indoors.
How Well Do Peas Do Indoors?
Although peas are typically grown outdoors, they can also do quite well when grown indoors. Some of the essentials to consider for your plant to survive indoors are.
Sunlight
Plant Peas need a lot of sunlight to grow properly, so it is essential to place your pea plant in a spot where it will get more than 6 hours of sunlight daily. If you cannot provide your pea plant with enough natural sunlight, you may need to supplement its light with artificial lighting such as grow lights.
Soil and Drainage
In addition to sunlight, Garden peas also need well-draining soil and consistent moisture to thrive. When growing peas indoors, starting them off in a pot at least six inches deep with drainage holes in the bottom is best. It would help if you also used a high-quality potting mix that contains compost or manure.
Watering
When watering your indoor pea plant, you must water it regularly and ensure that the soil stays moist but not soggy. Using a liquid fertilizer, it is important to fertilize your pea plant every two weeks.
Peas Varieties To Grow Indoors
There are many different varieties of peas that you can grow indoors. Some of the most popular ones include;
• Snow Peas: These indoor peas are best suited for growing in cool weather. They have a crisp texture and a sweet flavor.
• Sugar Snap Peas: Best for warm weather. They have a crunchy texture and a sweet flavor.
• English Peas: These have a starchy texture and an earthy flavor and will do well in a cooler climate.
• Black Eyed Peas: This type has a creamy texture and a nutty flavor, but it is highly reliable.
Also Read: How To Grow Habanero Peppers Indoors
How to Grow Peas Indoors
Now that you know a little bit more about how healthy peas do indoors, let’s look at how to grow peas indoors, and they do well. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you make the project easier.
Gather Everything You Need
For this project, you’ll need the following items:
- High-quality potting mix
- 6-inch deep pot with drainage holes
- Liquid fertilizer
- Pea seeds
Just to note. When buying Pea seeds go for a high-quality variety that does well in your region. Once you have gathered all these supplies, you’re ready for the next step.
Prepare The Potting Mix
To ensure that your pea plant has the best chance of survival, you will need to prepare the potting mix before planting the seeds. To do this, add some water to the potting mix and stir until it is moistened. Once the potting mix is ready, you can then fill your pot with it and make a slight indentation in the center of the pot.
Plant The Seeds
After you have prepared the potting mix and filled your pot, it is now time to plant the seeds. To do this, simply place a few seeds in the indentation you made in the center of the pot. Once the seeds are planted, you should lightly cover them with soil. This will help to keep the seeds in place and protect them from being eaten by animals or birds.
Water The Seeds
After you have planted the seeds, it is essential to water them well. First, you should water the pot until the water runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom. Once the pot is watered, you should place it in a sunny spot and wait for the seeds to germinate. This process can take anywhere from 5-10 days.
Thin The Seedlings
Once the seeds have germinated, you need to thin out the seedlings so that only the strongest ones remain. To do this, snip off the weaker seedlings at their base with a pair of scissors. Once you have thinned the seedlings, you should water the pot again.
Monitor The Plant
After you have planted and thinned out the seedlings, monitoring your plant to ensure it gets enough sunlight and water is essential. Using a liquid fertilizer, you should also fertilize your pea plant every two weeks. Sometimes, you can use Diatomaceous Earth on your indoor plants to do away with the nuisance pests.
Harvest Peas Right
Once the peas have started forming on the plant, you can begin to harvest them. To do this, grab the pea pods and gently twist them off the plant. You can then enjoy your fresh peas immediately or store them in the fridge for later.
Common problems when Growing Peas Indoors
It is good to note that just like other indoor plants like moss, you’re likely to face a few challenges, and it is essential for you to know how to tackle them when they arise. Some of the common ones include;
- Not Getting Enough Sunlight
If your pea plant is not getting enough sunlight, it will begin to stretch out and become weak. The plant does not receive enough solar energy to grow properly. If you notice that your pea plant is stretching out, you should try to move it to a spot where it will receive more sunlight.
- Fusarium Wilt
Fusarium wilt is a common disease that can affect pea plants. This disease is caused by a fungus attacking the plant’s roots and preventing them from properly absorbing water and nutrients. If you notice that your pea plant is wilting, you should try to water it more frequently. You can also add some organic matter to the soil to help improve drainage.
- Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is another common disease that can affect pea plants. This disease is caused by a fungus that forms on the plant’s leaves and causes them to turn white or yellow. If you notice that your pea plant has powdery mildew, you should try to remove the affected leaves and water the plant more frequently.
These are just some challenges you may face when growing peas indoors. By being aware of these challenges, you will be better prepared to deal with them when they arise.
Conclusion
Growing peas indoors is a great way to enjoy fresh peas all year round. Peas are relatively easy to grow and only require a few supplies. As a result, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh peas with a bit of care.
