The pea plant is a popular, productive cool-weather crop. Maximizing yield from a limited space requires understanding planting density, especially when using intensive methods like square foot gardening. This method uses a standard 12-by-12-inch unit to organize planting arrangements. Determining the correct number of plants per square foot is essential for a bountiful, compact garden.
Differentiating Pea Types and Growth Habits
Spacing decisions depend on recognizing the two fundamental categories of pea plants. The first group includes dwarf or bush peas, which are compact and self-supporting. These varieties typically grow 18 to 30 inches tall, concluding their growth cycle with a single, concentrated harvest period.
The second group consists of vining or climbing peas, which exhibit an indeterminate growth pattern, continuing to produce pods over an extended period. These taller varieties require vertical support, such as a trellis, as they can reach heights of four to six feet or more. Understanding this distinction is the foundation for calculating the appropriate plant count per square foot.
Intensive Density for Dwarf and Bush Varieties
Dwarf and bush varieties are ideally suited for intensive planting techniques and efficient space use. These compact plants are recommended to be planted at a density of eight to nine plants per square foot using the square foot gardening method. This high density is achieved by placing seeds approximately three inches apart in a grid pattern within the square.
Planting closely is successful because the bush plants, such as the ‘Little Marvel’ variety, offer each other mutual support as they grow. Their compact nature also allows for self-shading, which helps keep the root zone cool. This intensive clustering allows a gardener to harvest a large volume of peas from a small horizontal area. A count of eight plants is the widely accepted standard for a healthy, productive density in this category.
Spacing Needs for Vining and Climbing Peas
Vining peas require a different approach to density due to their need for vertical space. The calculation shifts from a flat square to a vertical plane supported by a trellis. These climbing types can reach five feet or more and must be grown along a sturdy structure installed at planting.
The recommended planting density for vining peas is four to six plants per square foot, clustered along the base of the trellis structure. This number is lower than that of bush peas because vining plants are physically larger and need more root space to support their extensive vertical growth. Vertical orientation increases air circulation and keeps the developing pods off the ground, promoting a longer harvest period.
Practical Tips for Seed Placement and Support
Achieving high-density planting requires specific techniques for seed placement and preparation. To ensure successful germination, many gardeners plant two seeds together at each designated spot, expecting at least one to sprout. Pea seeds should be sown about one to two inches deep.
Soaking the seeds in water overnight before planting can reduce germination time. For vining varieties, the support structure, such as a trellis or netting, must be installed before planting. Inserting supports after the young plants have begun growing risks damaging delicate root systems.