When it comes to gardening I like to explore new varieites, and new tastes. But that doesn’t mean I ignore old favorites. I grew Wando shelling peas last season (see all my posts from last year) and they were a big hit, especially with my daughter. So I purchased some more to grow this year. I am growing them in two different locations. One at home and one at my community garden plot.
Wando peas are shelling peas. This means the outer pods is not edible and you must remove the peas before eating. There is usually about 6 peas or so in each pod. So it can be a lot of work to shell them, but the flavor and sweetness cannot be beat!
When to Plant
As soon as the soil is workable in the spring. Peas like to grow in cool weather, but they need the soil to be a warm enough to germinate. So try to plant them during a time of the spring when you are having warmer than normal temperatures.
How to Support
Wando peas need support to grow best. In one location I have in between my rows of peas, some small stakes with some netting stapled to them. In my other location to save money, I decided to use my tomato cages, since I didn’t need them yet and they are cheap so I can always buy more.
Starting Seeds
Peas are easy enough to start outside directly in the soil. When I was just learning to grow them, I did start some inside and I found they didn’t do well transplanted.
Expected Harvest
I planted my Wando peas in two spots at two different times in two different types of soil. So it will be interesting to compare the two. I expect my harvest should be taking place right around or slightly before the first day of summer.
For more gardening information, check out my other blog, the pea project.
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