- 1). Spread two to three inches of compost over the pea garden prior to planting. Then work the compost into the top six inches of soil. The compost helps retain moisture in the top of the soil where the peas can access it.
- 2). Water the bed thoroughly before planting if the top three inches or more is dry. Water until the top six inches of soil feel moist but not soggy. Sow the pea seeds as directed on the seed packet.
- 3). Water the seeded peas only as needed until shoots appear. Check soil moisture every one to two days and water lightly if the top two inches of soil feel dry. Overwatering at this point can cause the seeds to rot in the ground.
- 4). Apply mulch over the bed once the pea shoots are three inches tall to help conserve the moisture in the soil between waterings. Spread two to three inches of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or straw, around the plants but avoid covering the shoots with the mulch.
- 5). Check soil moisture every three to five days. Water when the top six inches of soil starts to feel dry. Irrigate until the soil is evenly moist throughout.
SHARE
