Peas are a popular and rewarding vegetable that thrives in the cool temperatures of spring and fall. They are often one of the first crops gardeners sow each season, offering fresh produce early on. Achieving a successful harvest begins with proper planting technique, particularly understanding how many seeds to place in a single spot. Planting multiple seeds together is the accepted practice to ensure a full row of plants and maximize yield.
Determining the Ideal Number of Seeds
The standard recommendation for planting peas is to place two to three seeds per hole or “station.” This method is used primarily as an insurance policy against the natural variability in seed germination rates. If the soil is cold and damp, the germination rate can be lower, increasing the risk of seed rot before sprouting occurs.
Planting a small cluster ensures at least one seedling emerges, preventing gaps in the row. If only one seed is planted and fails to germinate, that section remains empty, wasting growing space. Placing more than three seeds together is not advised because the resulting seedlings compete too aggressively for nutrients, water, and sunlight, leading to weaker, less productive plants.
The type of pea seed, whether smooth-skinned or wrinkled, does not change the 2-3 seed rule, though it can affect germination timing. Smooth-skinned varieties are hardier and can be planted earlier in cooler soil, while wrinkled seeds, which are sweeter, are generally sown when the soil is slightly warmer.
Planting Depth and Row Spacing
After deciding to plant two or three seeds together, place them at the correct depth within the soil. Pea seeds should be sown between one-half to one inch deep. Sowing the seeds too shallowly places them at risk of drying out quickly.
Planting the seeds too deeply, however, increases the amount of time and energy required for the sprout to reach the soil surface, raising the probability of the seed rotting before emergence. A helpful technique is to plant slightly deeper, around one inch, in lighter, sandier soils or during drier conditions, and slightly shallower, around a half-inch, in heavier, clay-rich soils. The distance between these planting stations, or “holes,” depends on the variety of pea being grown.
If planting in clusters of two or three seeds, these groups should be spaced about two inches apart down the row. The distance between rows is determined by the plant’s growth habit. Bush or dwarf varieties, which may only reach 18 to 30 inches tall, can be planted in rows as close as 18 inches apart. Taller, vining (pole) varieties, which can grow six feet or more, require more space, often needing 30 inches or more between rows to accommodate their support structures and ensure adequate air circulation.
Post-Germination Care: Thinning and Support
After the seeds germinate and seedlings begin to grow, manage plant density through thinning. This process eliminates competition and directs resources to the strongest plants. Thinning should occur when seedlings reach a height of about four to six inches, allowing the gardener to identify the most vigorous plants.
To thin the plants, the weaker seedlings should be cut at the soil line using a pair of small scissors or shears. It is important to cut the unwanted plant rather than pulling it out of the ground because pulling risks disturbing or even damaging the delicate, shallow root systems of the desirable keeper plants. If two seedlings emerge in one hole, they can often both be left to grow, provided the soil is rich and the plants are given support.
If all three seeds sprout, cut at least one of the weaker seedlings to ensure the remaining two have enough space to thrive. Once the plants begin to grow taller, especially vining types, a support structure must be in place. Simple trellises, netting, or stakes provide the necessary vertical structure for the pea tendrils to attach, keeping the vines off the ground and improving light exposure and air circulation.