When & how is it best to do it?

Pick several times for the best harvest quality

Between sowing and harvest spans a period of 3 to 4 months. Since the pods of the individual varieties do not ripen simultaneously, the plants are picked repeatedly. If ripe peas remain on the bush for too long, this is at the expense of quality.

• Harvest sweet peas when the grains can be seen through the pod
• Pick peas when the pods appear plump and firm
• Harvest green peas for fresh consumption when the grains can be felt through the pod

The optimal time for the pea harvest is past when the kernels come out through the pods and feel hard. As a result, the time cannot be chosen early enough for raw consumption, because then you will be reading particularly tender peas.

Harvest dry peas and seeds later

Peas that you have designated as seeds for the next season will stay on the plant longer. They are only harvested when they are fully ripe, when the pods are already beginning to dry.

The same applies to the part of the harvest that is processed as dry peas in the kitchen. These pods will dry for some time in an airy place. Instead of laboriously removing the grains from each pod, this harvest quality is ideal for threshing.

Fresh from the bed in the freezer

Fresh peas are a culinary delicacy. Because the grains can only be stored for 2 to 3 days after harvesting, they are a rarity in the trade. As a hobby gardener, you enjoy the privilege of eating fresh peas. Excess harvest goes into the freezer.

• get the peas out of the pod
• Blanch for 2 minutes in boiling water
• Allow to cool and immediately fill into freezer bags

The peas can be kept for 1 year at a temperature of -18 degrees Celsius.

Tips & Tricks

After harvesting, cut the plants close to the ground and leave the roots in the ground. The root mass gives off plenty of nitrogen and enriches the soil in a nutritious way for the subsequent crops.