How to grow peas in a raised bed

Peas are a cool-season treat, and few things beat one straight from the pod. Climbing types make the most of a raised bed's vertical room.

Quick facts

• Position: full sun, 6+ hours
• Spacing: 5–8 cm apart
• Tub depth: our 23 cm or 35 cm depth
• Time to harvest: 9–11 weeks
• Support: a trellis for climbing types

When to plant: Peas like it cool — sow from autumn through late winter in most areas, and early spring in cold zones. Sow directly where they're to grow. Our free planting calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

Growing them in a raised bed: Sow seed straight into the mix and give climbing types a trellis to scramble up. Peas are legumes, so they don't need much feeding.

Watering and feeding: Keep the soil evenly moist, especially at flowering and podding. Water the soil in the morning to keep the leaves dry and mildew at bay.

Common pests: keep an eye out for aphids, caterpillars, slugs and snails and thrips. Most are easily managed — see our safe pest guide.

Common diseases: the main ones are powdery mildew and downy mildew. Good airflow, morning watering and steady moisture prevent most.

Companion plants: Carrots and beans are good companions; keep peas away from onions and garlic. See our companion planting guide.

Harvest and storage: Pick pods when they're plump but still tender, from the bottom of the plant up. The more you pick, the more they produce — and they're sweetest eaten straight away.

Plan your patch: our free planting calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: Fumikas Sagisavas, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.