When it comes to growing peas, there are two main types: bush peas and climbing peas. Each type has its own characteristics and requirements.
Bush peas, as the name suggests, grow in a bush-like manner and typically reach a height of 2 to 3 feet. Despite their shorter stature, they still benefit from some kind of support. Without support, the plants tend to flop on the ground, making it difficult to harvest the peas and increasing the risk of disease and pests. Providing a support system for bush peas helps keep the plants upright and allows for better air circulation, which promotes healthy growth.
Climbing peas, on the other hand, have a more vigorous growth habit and can reach heights of 6 to 8 feet. These peas require a sturdy trellis or support structure to climb on. Without proper support, the vines of climbing peas can become tangled and sprawl across the ground, leading to a messier garden and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases. By providing a trellis for climbing peas, you not only help them grow vertically but also make it easier to harvest the peas and maintain a tidy garden.
In my own gardening experience, I have grown both bush peas and climbing peas. I remember the first time I planted bush peas without any support, thinking they would be fine on their own due to their shorter height. However, I quickly realized that they needed some kind of support to prevent them from sprawling on the ground. I ended up using stakes and garden twine to create a makeshift support system, which worked well for keeping the plants upright.
When it came to growing climbing peas, I learned the hard way that a flimsy trellis just wouldn’t cut it. The weight of the vines and the abundance of peas caused the trellis to collapse, resulting in a tangled mess of plants. I had to quickly come up with a more robust trellis system using thicker poles and stronger netting to support the vigorous growth of the climbing peas.
Both bush peas and climbing peas benefit from some form of support. Bush peas, although shorter in height, still need a structure to keep them off the ground and prevent flopping. Climbing peas, with their greater height and more vigorous growth, require a sturdy trellis to support their vines and prevent them from sprawling. By providing the appropriate support for both types of peas, you can ensure healthier plants, easier harvesting, and a more organized garden.
