Top Picks for the Best Pea Seeds for Autumn Sowing

Which are the best peas to sow in autumn?

This list features our top picks for Autumn sowing. Plus, get the lowdown on soil prep and sowing techniques for a bumper harvest.

Quick Facts

• Pea Meteor and Pea Douce Provence are the best peas to sow in autumn as they are robust and sweet.

• Soil prep is key for autumn sown peas, so add compost or well rotted manure.

• Support young plants and harvest at the right time to get the most out of your crop and rotate with peas to improve soil health through nitrogen fixing.

Best for Autumn Sowing

Choosing the right pea varieties for autumn can make all the difference to your garden. Some peas are better suited to autumn as they are hardy and produce early. Look for seeds that have been awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Two to try for autumn sowing are Pea Meteor and Pea Douce Provence.

Pea Meteor

Pea Meteor is great for autumn sowing, it’s hardy and suitable for exposed plots and can be grown in containers Meteor seeds can be sown early in November to mature from late May.

Each packet contains 40g of seeds, enough to get you started with your autumn garden.

Pea Douce Provence

Pea Douce Provence is extremely versatile; it can be sown in autumn or spring. Sweet flavoured with reliable growth and performs well, Douce Provence is a firm favourite amongst gardeners.

Pea Douce Provence

£0.89

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Can be sown November, or early Spring for early cropping.....

Average Contents: 40g Seeds

Pea Meteor

£0.99

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Meteor is a superb dwarf variety for exposed plots and container.....

Approx Seed Count: 40g Seeds

Soil Prep

Soil prep is key for autumn sown peas. Before sowing add plenty of garden compost or well rotted manure to the soil to improve fertility. This will help retain moisture and feed the seedlings.

Do this the previous autumn to allow the nutrients to settle and improve soil health.

Digging and Manuring

Start preparing your garden for peas by digging and manuring the area before sowing. This will improve soil fertility and get the ground ready for the growing season.

Adding well rotted manure or compost into the soil will improve fertility and retain moisture which is vital for healthy pea growth.

Soil

Peas prefer well drained rich soil. Add a thin layer of garden compost to good garden soil.

Using a soil based seed compost like John Innes Seed Compost will also provide the perfect environment for germination.

Sowing Techniques for Autumn Peas

There are several ways to sow peas in autumn, each with its own benefits. Direct sowing in the ground or cold frames and greenhouses will impact on the health and yield of your pea plants.

Here we’ll look at both methods to help you decide which is best for your garden.

Direct Sowing in the Ground

Direct sowing involves sowing pea seeds directly into the soil at 5cm deep. Taller varieties need to be sown 10cm apart to allow for support and to prevent overcrowding. Good technique will promote healthy growth and maximum yield.

By sowing your pea seeds directly into the ground you allow them to become established with strong root systems. This method is best for round seeded varieties which are suitable for early sowing. Choose a well drained soil to avoid wet soil which can cause fusarium wilt.

Cold Frames and Greenhouses

Cold frames and greenhouses will protect your young pea plants during the colder months. Position a cold frame to face the sun to warm the seedlings. Covering the pots with fleece will give extra protection from cold and keep your plants healthy and strong.

These will give your peas a jump start by protecting them from the weather. This method is best for early crops so you can sow earlier and get stronger plants with stockier stems.

Whether you use a cold frame or cold greenhouse these will help with your autumn sowing.

Caring for Young Plants

Supporting and protecting young seedlings is key to their growth. Vertical support is often needed to stop them getting top heavy especially in windy areas. Regular harvesting and moisture management is also important to encourage continuous production and plant health.

Frost Protection

Young pea plants need frost protection as cold weather can cause damage or death. Cover with frost fleece or lightweight plastic to create a warmer microclimate and protect from frost.

Water the soil around the plants before frost to retain heat and provide better insulation against cold.

Moisture Management

Consistent soil moisture is important for healthy pea plants. Make sure good drainage to avoid waterlogging especially in exposed areas. A good soak during dry periods will maintain soil moisture levels and promote growth.

Supporting and Training Pea Plants

Support and training pea plants is essential for a good harvest. Use aids such as bamboo canes, string and pea sticks for support. Supporting the plants early on will prevent damage and maximise yield.

Pea Sticks

Traditional pea sticks made from pruned twiggy stems from shrubs are a good way to support pea plants. Insert the sticks into the ground around the plants and let them climb as they grow.

Check the pea sticks regularly and adjust as needed to keep your plants supported throughout the growing season.

Alternative Support

Alternative support methods are hazel rods, tall tripods made from sticks or bamboo canes and recycled materials like old farm fencing or garden branches. These offer flexibility and creativity in supporting your pea plants.

Harvesting Your Autumn Sown Peas

Harvest your autumn sown sweet peas when they are sweet and tender. Pick them when they are plump but still tender, about 3 months after sowing.

Good support will guide the pea vines upwards and make harvesting easier.

When to Harvest

Peas are best harvested when the pods are full and firm. Harvest in the morning when it’s cooler to preserve freshness.

Check the pods regularly to harvest at their best for flavour and texture.

Regular Harvesting

Regular harvesting will keep the pods fresh and young and promote continuous production. Consistent harvesting will stimulate further growth and keep the remaining pods good quality.

This will give you a longer harvest period and more yield.

Crop Rotation with Peas

Including peas in your crop rotation will benefit soil health and sustainability. Peas fix atmospheric nitrogen and enrich the soil for future crops. This will improve soil conditions and sustainable agriculture.

Nitrogen Fixation

Peas have a symbiotic relationship with rhizobia bacteria which converts atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form. This will enrich the soil when the pea roots decompose and release nitrogen.

Crop Rotation

Rotating crops with peas will improve soil health by utilising nutrients and replenishing the essential elements. Following peas with crops like wheat will benefit from nitrogen enriched soil and potentially higher yields.

This will also help manage pests and diseases in the garden.

Choosing the Right Seeds

Choosing the right seeds is important for autumn sowing. High germination rates means quality and viability. Make sure to buy from reputable suppliers with good reviews.

Consider growth habit and disease resistance when choosing your seeds.

Seed Quality

High quality pea seeds will have smooth varieties for early sowing which are known for their resilience. Check the seeds are free from disease, pests or damage.

The germination rate is a good indicator of seed quality; higher rates means better chance of success.

Recommended Suppliers

Simply Seed is a great supplier for pea seeds with product descriptions and seed counts. Look for certifications or labels which indicate quality testing.

For more information visit https://www.simplyseed.co.uk/pea-seeds.html

Conclusion

Autumn sowing of peas gives you an early and bigger harvest in the spring. By choosing the right varieties, preparing the soil and sowing correctly you will get a good crop. Caring for the young plants, supporting them and understanding crop rotation with peas will make gardening even better. With the right seeds and a bit of work your garden will reward you with tasty peas.

FAQs

What soil do peas grow in?

Peas like well drained, rich soil which will support their growth and development. Good drainage is key to maximum yield.

When do I prepare the soil for sowing pea seeds?

The soil should be prepared for sowing pea seeds in the autumn before planting. This means digging and manuring the soil.

How do peas fit into crop rotation?

Peas will contribute to crop rotation by fixing nitrogen in the soil, enriching the soil for future crops. This natural fertilisation will make the soil healthier and better for all crops.