Peas are a popular cool-weather crop for home gardeners, offering one of the earliest harvests of the spring season. However, growing them successfully in Alabama presents a specific challenge due to the state’s short cool period and the rapid transition to summer heat. Precise timing is paramount because pea plants cease production and deteriorate quickly once temperatures consistently exceed 80°F.
Spring Planting Timing by Region
The optimal time for spring planting is determined by the local last expected frost date and the soil temperature. Peas are hardy and can withstand a light frost, but germination is delayed when the soil temperature remains below 40°F. The ideal soil temperature range for quick germination is 40°F to 75°F, with growth favoring 55°F to 70°F.
Gardeners in South Alabama (e.g., Mobile and Gulf Shores) can plant earliest due to the milder climate. Planting can begin as early as mid-January to late February, targeting an average last frost date in early March. The soil becomes workable sooner, allowing for an immediate start to the season.
In Central Alabama (e.g., Montgomery and Tuscaloosa), the planting window shifts later. Gardeners should sow seeds from late February through mid-March, four to six weeks before the last expected frost date. This timing allows seedlings to emerge while the soil is cool, minimizing the risk of a hard freeze damaging young growth.
North Alabama (e.g., Huntsville and Scottsboro) has the latest planting window due to the longest cold period, with last frost dates extending into early April. Planting should occur from mid-March to early April, as soon as the soil is dry enough to be worked without compaction. Planting immediately ensures the plants have sufficient time to mature before the heat sets in.
Selecting the Right Pea Variety
Choosing the correct variety is a major factor in successfully growing peas within Alabama’s tight spring window. Pea varieties are categorized into three main types: English Peas (shelling), Snap Peas, and Snow Peas. Since the goal is to beat the summer heat, varieties with the shortest “days to maturity” (DTM) are the most suitable.
Snap peas and snow peas tend to mature faster than many shelling varieties, making them excellent choices for the short season. Varieties listed with a maturity time of 50 to 60 days are generally preferred, as this allows for harvest before consistent high temperatures set in. Selecting cultivars known for heat tolerance or disease resistance, like ‘Wando’ or ‘Green Arrow’ for shelling peas, can provide a buffer against the rapid onset of summer weather.
The physical growth habit of the plant also impacts maturity time. Bush varieties, which are shorter and do not require support, usually mature faster than taller pole varieties. While pole varieties can offer greater yields, the quicker life cycle of bush varieties is a practical advantage for maximizing the harvest before the Alabama heat shuts down production.
Planning for the Fall Crop
While the spring crop is traditional, a fall planting provides a secondary opportunity to harvest peas during the state’s second cool season. Unlike spring planting, which counts forward from the last frost, the fall window is determined by counting backward from the first expected frost date. The goal is to allow the plants to mature before the first killing frost.
Count back 60 to 70 days from the average first fall frost date to determine the latest time to sow seeds. The fall planting period typically spans late August through September. North Alabama gardeners need to plant earlier (mid-August), while those in South Alabama can often wait until early to mid-September.
The primary challenge for the fall crop is managing the high temperatures during the initial germination and seedling growth phase in late summer. Pea seeds may fail to germinate if soil temperatures consistently exceed 85°F. To combat this heat stress, gardeners should provide consistent moisture and consider planting heat-tolerant or powdery mildew-resistant varieties, as this fungal disease becomes more prevalent in warm, humid conditions.
Successful Sowing and Soil Management
Preparing the soil correctly is important to ensure successful germination and vigorous growth. Peas thrive in well-drained soil with a pH level ranging from slightly acidic to neutral (ideally 6.0 to 7.5). Incorporating compost or well-rotted manure before planting improves both the soil’s drainage and nutrient content.
Pea seeds should be sown about 1 to 2 inches deep and spaced 1 to 3 inches apart within the row. Deeper planting is sometimes recommended in drier, warmer conditions to ensure the seed reaches adequate moisture for germination. Consistent moisture is necessary during the germination process, but avoid overwatering, as this can lead to the fungal disease known as damping off.
Seed inoculation is a helpful practice, involving coating seeds with a specific strain of Rhizobium bacteria. This bacteria forms nodules on the pea roots, enabling the plant to fix atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form, which improves plant vigor and yield. For vining or climbing varieties, trellising must be installed at planting to support the vines. Keeping the pods off the ground improves airflow and reduces the risk of disease.