Pea is commonly the small spherical seed or the seed-pod of the pod fruit called pisum sativum. Pod contains several peas,and they can be green or yellow in colour. Pea pods are botanically are fruits because they contain seeds and also develop from the ovary of a (pea) flower. Peas are contained within a pod. Peas are paler than most other garden peas, the seed has a green cotyledon while most garden peas have green cotyledon.
Peas belongs to the family called "Fabaceae". They are the first crops we plant,they are easy to grow but they have a very limited growing season. Peas don't stay fresh long after harvest.
PLANTING A PEA
If you want to get the best result out of a pea,add manure to the soil and mulch well. Like other legumes,pea root will fix nitrogen in the soil while making it available for other plants. They also appreciate it when you sprinkle good wood ashes to the soil before planting them. Peas are planted in the ground while the soil is still cool but they do not have them sit too long in wet soil.
Peas have pests/diseases which are;
- Aphids
- Mexican Bean Beetles
- Woodchucks
- Fusarium wilt
How to store your pea
1 Pick peas in the morning after the dew has dried
2 Make sure to always use two hands when picking peas,you secure the vine with one hand while you use the other hand to pull of the peas.
3 You keep your peas well picked so that it will help more pods to develop
Peas are basically in 3 types which are;
i English peas
ii Snow peas
iii Sugar snap peas
ENGLISH PEAS It is also known as pisum sativum var. Sativum. Traditionally, they are small,round and green balls that are so hard to grab. They are also called shelling peas,common peas,standard peas, and garden peas
SNOW PEAS This is known as saccharatum. They are described as Chinese pea pods because many of them are used for chinese cooking. Snow pea in French is called mangelout which means eat it all. Snow pea have edible pods,and they are almost flat
SUGAR SNAP PEAS These are called marcrocarpon. They look alike with English pea when they are first sighted but the difference between both is that sugar snap peas are cylindrical while the English peas are slightly curved.
Sugar snap peas are grown the same way as English pea but they last a bit longer when the weather warms up.
You can enjoy sugar snap peas at any stage especially when the peas fill out most of the pod.
HOW TO CARE FOR PEA PLANT
To care for a pea plants,these are ways you can use to get the best result
PLANTING Pea seed can be planted a month before the average last frost in your area. Plant pea seeds an inch deep and also space two inches in every direction, then cover the seeds and water them. After planting,they should start to sprout 7-14 days.
WATERING Pea plants should be watered very well once or twice a week.
HARVESTING Shelling peas are normally picked when the pods have become plump and have a nice shell. The time to pick your pea pods will depend on the variety that you choose to grow.
BENEFITS OF PEA
It aids digestion
Peas are good source of iron. Iron helps combat fatigue and give you strength
Peas are so rich in vitamin C,which make it the best immunity building foods
Peas are good for the eyes
Peas helps reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke
Peas helps in weight reduction
Peas plays a significant role in the production of collagen with the source of vitamin C. Collagen helps keep the skin firm and glowing
Peas helps to increase sperm count and motility
Peas prevent stomach cancer
It prevents wrinkles on the face
It regulates blood sugar