As a naturally sweet legume, green peas are rich in antioxidants and fibers. The spherical seeds coming from the Pisum sativum pods are starchy, usually solid as frozen and canned food. High in complex carbohydrates, green peas have a low caloric value with an admirable nutrient profile. 

Benefits/ Uses

• Have high protein content as compared to other vegetables. Half a cup of green peas have 4 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber. It makes peas one of the alternative plant based proteins. 
• The protein and fiber in peas will keep you full longer, helping keep the overall calorie intake under control, 
• Low glycemic index food that helps control blood sugar levels. Moreover, the fiber content helps in slow absorption of sugar into blood helping avert blood sugar spikes. 
• Contains desirable amounts of heart health promoting minerals like calcium, magnesium and potassium. Potassium is essential to decrease blood pressure, thereby improving heart health. 
• A research claim that green peas contain saponin, a hormone inhibiting the growth of tumor cells. 

Specifications

Sowing and Caring

• To start seedling, choose a comfortable grow bag like the 24x24 HDPE bag. The seeds should be planted 1 inches deep and 2 inches apart from each other. If planted in rows, the gap between two rows should be at least 7 inches.
• Soilless medium like coco peat should be mixed with the soil to keep the air circulation intact. It is advised to use organically enriched potting mix like the one we have. Keep the soil slightly loose for the roots to breathe. 2 part gardening soil + one part vermicompost + one part cocopeat is the optimal medium. 
• Requires full sun for at least 6 hours a day. Pea plants can tolerate a little shade but it will affect the taste. 
• Ideal way is to water one inch deep 1-2 times a week or water whenever the top soil dries out (until the soil is moist not soggy). 
• After certain growth, the plant may require the support of trellis or a pole to grow and fruit. 

Harvest

• Once the plant starts blooming, check for harvestable peapods. It is best to harvest in the morning to get rounded, plump peas. 
• Twist the pod from the plant gently, without disturbing growing pods and the plant itself. Peas taste best when cooked straight from harvest. 

Common Problems

• Aphids attack pea plants often, both roots and leaves. 
• Fungal diseases like powdery mildew and fusarium wilt are common in pea plants.

Precautions

• Overwatering should be avoided and the soil should be well-drained to avoid fungal infection. Water only when the soil is dry 1-2 inches from the top. 
• Vermicompost or any organic soil enrichers should be added once in 2-3 weeks to stimulate growth. 
• Organic pest control like the one we have should be used regularly (once every week) when pest infestations are noted. 
• When extreme fungal spots are noted, it is better to remove the affected plant to protect other plants.