Peas are a versatile and popular vegetable that can be grown in various ways. When it comes to climbing peas, there are a few different types that are particularly well-suited for vertical growth. These climbing varieties are often called vining peas or tall peas, and they have a natural tendency to climb and twine around supports. Let’s explore some of the common types of peas that climb and their characteristics.
1. Sugar Snap Peas: Sugar snap peas are a popular climbing variety known for their crisp, sweet pods. They can grow to heights of 4-8 feet, making them an excellent choice for vertical gardening. These peas have a unique combination of edible pods and peas, making them a delightful addition to salads and stir-fries.
2. Snow Peas: Snow peas, also known as Chinese pea pods, are another type of climbing pea. They have flat, edible pods with small, undeveloped peas inside. Snow peas are often used in stir-fries and can reach heights similar to sugar snap peas. Their delicate flavor and crunchy texture make them a favorite among many gardeners.
3. Shelling Peas: While shelling peas are typically bush varieties, some climbing varieties are available as well. Climbing shelling peas, such as Alderman and Champion of England, can grow tall and produce a bountiful harvest of plump, sweet peas. These peas require support for their vines to climb, but the reward is well worth the effort.
4. Garden Peas: Garden peas, also known as English peas or shell peas, are a classic pea variety that can climb if given proper support. They produce plump, round peas inside their pods and are often enjoyed fresh or used in a variety of dishes. Garden peas can reach heights of 4-6 feet, making them an ideal choice for vertical gardening.
To support the growth of climbing peas, it’s essential to provide a trellis or support structure for them to climb. A sturdy trellis made of bamboo, wire mesh, or wooden stakes and string can help guide the tendrils of the pea vines as they grow. This ensures that the plants receive adequate airflow and sunlight, leading to healthier growth and easier harvesting.
When planting climbing peas, it’s important to sow them at the base of the trellis or support structure. This allows the vines to naturally find their way up the support as they grow. As the pea plants climb, gently guide the tendrils towards the trellis to encourage upward growth.
In my personal experience, growing climbing peas has been a rewarding endeavor. Watching the vines reach for the sky and witnessing the beautiful clusters of pea pods hanging from the trellis is a sight to behold. Not only do climbing peas save valuable garden space, but they also make harvesting easier as the pods are elevated and more accessible.
To summarize, climbing peas, such as sugar snap peas, snow peas, shelling peas, and garden peas, are excellent choices for vertical gardening. They can grow to heights of 4-8 feet and require support, like a trellis, to guide their upward growth. Growing climbing peas not only maximizes garden space but also offers a delightful harvest of sweet, crunchy, and flavorful peas.
