Grow Peas In Your Garden

This fall, and in early spring, you should grow peas in your garden in Texas. Sugar snap peas are my favorite type. How about you?

When I say peas, I do not mean chickpeas or southern peas also known as cowpeas. I mean shelling peas where you open the pod and pull out the little green circles to cook for dinner, snap peas, and snow peas.

Sugar snap peas are sweet and can be eaten straight off of the vine. They can also be enjoyed with your favorite dip, like Ranch dressing. Yum!

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Before we start really discussing peas, you should know that our seed company has the finest pea seeds in Texas. Check out our pea seeds here.

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Your Fall Garden Guide in Texas by Mrs. David's Garden Seeds

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Grow Peas - 8/10-8/16/2026

Here are Green Arrow peas, regular shelling peas like your mom makes for dinner. David hates peas so it is not often that I get to have them.

If you have only ever eaten peas from a can or a freezer bag, you are in for a real treat. Fresh peas from your own garden are sweet, crisp, bright, and full of flavor. Once you taste them right off the vine, you will understand why so many Texas gardeners love to grow peas-shelling peas, snap peas, and snow peas in your garden in Texas in fall and in early spring.

Peas are one of those crops that can change your mind about a vegetable. A lot of people grew up eating soft, salty, mushy peas from a can. Garden peas are nothing like that. Fresh peas taste lively and green, and they can be eaten raw, steamed, sautéed, or added to soups, salads, and stir-fries.

Snow peas are good for adding to stir fries.

The good news is that peas are very doable for home gardeners in Texas. You do not need fancy equipment or years of experience. If you can plant seeds, water them, and give them support, you can grow a beautiful patch of peas.

In Texas, timing matters more than almost anything else. Peas like cool weather. They do best when they grow during the mild parts of the year, not in the hot stretch of summer. That is why fall and early spring are the best times to plant them in many parts of the state.

When you grow peas-shelling peas, snap peas, and snow peas in your garden in Texas in fall and in early spring, you get more than a harvest. You get a chance to step outside, pick a handful, and snack while you garden. It is one of the simple joys of growing your own food.

Grow Peas - What Kind Of Peas Will You Plant?

Some sugar snap peas that I grew...

Let’s start with the three main types. Shelling peas, also called English peas, are grown for the peas inside the pod. You pick them, shell them, and cook or eat the peas. The pods are usually not eaten because they are fibrous.

Snap peas are the crunchy favorites that many people love to eat fresh. The whole pod is edible, and the peas inside get plump and sweet. If you want a snack straight from the garden, this is a great type to choose if you want to grow snap peas.

Snow peas are flat-podded peas often used in stir-fries and quick sautés. You harvest them before the peas inside get big. The whole pod is tender and edible. If you want a fast, crisp crop for the kitchen, many gardeners choose to grow snow peas.

All three types grow in similar ways, which makes planning easy. They like cool temperatures, full sun in cooler weather, and soil that drains well. They also like a trellis or some kind of support, especially taller varieties.

Grow Peas - Start With The Finest Seeds

David's Garden Seeds has a farm store that you can visit.

If you are starting from seed, that is the best way to grow peas. Peas usually do not like transplanting as much as direct sowing. Sow them right where you want them to grow, and they will get off to a better start.

For seed, look for quality stock from a trusted source. If you are buying from David’s Garden Seeds, you are starting with heirloom seed options that many Texas gardeners value. Good seed gives you better germination, healthier plants, and a more rewarding season.

Grow Peas - Planting

Snow peas are good for stir fries.

Now let’s talk about where to plant. Pick a spot that gets plenty of sun in the cool season. In fall and early spring, full sun is usually best, though a little light afternoon shade can help in warmer parts of Texas as temperatures rise.

Your soil should be loose and well drained. Peas do not want to sit in soggy ground. If your soil is heavy clay, work in compost before planting. Raised beds can also help a lot in Texas, especially where drainage is poor.

Before planting, clear weeds and break up the soil so roots can move easily. Peas have shallow roots, so they appreciate a bed that is prepared well from the start. A smooth seed bed also makes it easier to plant evenly.

Many gardeners like to add compost before sowing peas. That is a good idea because compost improves texture and helps hold moisture without making the soil waterlogged. You do not need to overdo fertilizer, especially high-nitrogen fertilizer, because too much can push leafy growth over pod production.

In much of Texas, fall planting can be very rewarding. Planting time depends on your local climate, but the goal is to sow when the worst heat is passing and the plants can mature in cool weather. In warmer parts of Texas, this often means planting in fall for winter or early spring harvest.

Early spring is the other key season. In many areas, peas are planted as soon as the soil can be worked and while temperatures are still cool. The trick is to get them growing early enough that they flower and set pods before late spring heat moves in.

Texas is a big state, so local timing matters. Gardeners in North Texas may aim for late winter to early spring planting and may also try a fall sowing if conditions allow. Gardeners in Central, South, and East Texas often have good luck with fall planting for cool-season growth. If you are unsure, your local extension guidance and your own frost dates can help fine-tune the calendar.

Grow Peas - Sowing The Seeds

This man is planting peas.

When you plant the seeds, sow them directly into the soil about 1 inch deep. Space can vary by variety, but peas are often planted fairly close in a row. Follow the packet directions from David’s Garden Seeds for the variety you choose, since spacing and height can differ.

After sowing, water the bed gently so the seeds settle into the soil. Keep the soil evenly moist during germination, but do not flood it. Pea seeds can rot in wet ground, so this is one place where balance really matters.

Germination is usually pretty quick when the weather is right. Watching those first little seedlings pop up is always exciting. I still think it feels like a small garden miracle every time, even after many seasons of planting cool-weather crops.

Grow Peas - Caring For Your Pea Plants

Sugar snap peas are so good. Mine usually don't make it inside.

As soon as the plants are up, think about support. Even shorter pea varieties often benefit from a simple trellis, netting, wire panel, or strings tied between stakes. Peas climb by curling tendrils around anything slender enough to grab.

A trellis keeps plants upright, cleaner, and easier to harvest. It also improves air flow, which can help reduce disease problems. Plus, there is just something cheerful about seeing pea vines climbing in neat green rows.

Watering peas is simple, but steady care matters. Keep the soil moist, especially during flowering and pod development. Try to water the soil rather than soaking the leaves late in the day. Morning watering is often best.

Mulch can help a lot in Texas gardens. A light layer around the plants helps the soil hold moisture, reduces weeds, and keeps temperatures more even. In spring, mulch can also help slow the effects of warming weather.

Get the whole family out in the garden. Teach them what they should know.

Weeds compete with peas for water, light, and nutrients. Pull weeds early while they are small. Since peas have shallow roots, weed gently so you do not disturb the plants more than necessary.

Peas usually do not need heavy feeding. If your soil has been improved with compost, that may be enough. Too much fertilizer can lead to lots of leaves and not many pods, and that is not the goal when you are dreaming about a basket full of sweet peas.

One thing to watch in Texas is temperature swings. A light frost usually does not bother established peas too much, but hard freezes can damage young plants or blossoms. In a cold snap, row cover or frost cloth can give them extra protection.

Heat is the bigger enemy. Once temperatures climb, pea plants begin to struggle. Flowers may drop, pods may stop forming well, and the vines can decline fast. That is why getting the timing right is the secret to success.

Grow Peas - Remember, Peas Like It Cool!

If you want to grow peas-shelling peas, snap peas, and snow peas in your garden in Texas in fall and in early spring, keep this simple rule in mind: plant for cool weather and harvest before heat takes over. That one idea will save you a lot of disappointment.

Pests can show up, so check your plants often. Aphids sometimes gather on tender growth. A strong spray of water can knock many of them off, and healthy plants often bounce back well. Good air flow and clean garden habits also help.

You may also see caterpillars or other chewing insects now and then. Hand-picking is often enough in a small garden. The key is to notice problems early, before they spread through the row.

Disease pressure is usually lower when plants are spaced well and grown in the right season. Avoid overhead watering when possible, and do not crowd the plants too tightly. If a plant becomes badly diseased, remove it so the problem does not spread.

Rotation is a smart habit too. Try not to plant peas in the exact same spot year after year. Moving crops around the garden can help reduce pest and disease buildup in the soil and on plant debris.

Grow Peas - Time For Harvest

Now for the fun part: harvest. Shelling peas are ready when the pods look full and rounded. Pick them before they get overmature. Inside, the peas should be plump, sweet, and tender.

Snap peas are best when the pods are thick, crisp, and juicy, but still tender. If you wait too long, they can get starchy or stringy. Taste one while harvesting. The garden will tell you a lot if you are willing to snack as you go.

Snow peas are usually picked when the pods are flat or just barely filling out. You want them tender, smooth, and bright. This is one crop where frequent picking really pays off because it keeps quality high.

Harvest often. The more regularly you pick, the more the plants tend to keep producing for a while. Try to check the vines every day or two once pod production starts. Peas can go from perfect to overripe pretty fast.

Use two hands when picking if the vines are delicate. Hold the vine with one hand and pull the pod with the other. That helps prevent snapping off stems or damaging the plant.

Grow Peas - Eating And Storing Them

Fresh peas are wonderful raw. Snap peas are perfect for snacking in the garden, and even shelling peas can be popped out and eaten fresh when they are young and sweet. Kids especially love this part, and honestly, adults do too.

In the kitchen, shelling peas are great steamed, lightly boiled, or added to soups, pasta, rice dishes, and casseroles. Their sweetness really shines when they are cooked just enough to turn tender. They do not need much help.

Snap peas are delicious raw on a veggie tray, tossed into salads, or quickly sautéed with a little oil. They keep their crunch and add bright flavor. They are also great in stir-fries and simple side dishes.

Snow peas are famous for quick cooking. Toss them into a hot pan for a fast sauté, add them to stir-fries, or blanch them briefly and serve them chilled. They add texture, color, and freshness to all kinds of meals.

Peas are versatile, and that is part of their charm. They can go from garden snack to dinner side dish in minutes. Peas are delicious and add color to any dish. They do not have to taste nasty like the ones you were fed from a can at dinner.

If you have more than you can eat right away, store peas in the refrigerator soon after harvest. Keep them cool and use them as fresh as possible for the best flavor. Peas start losing sweetness after picking, so fresher is better.

Shelling peas can be shelled first, then refrigerated for short-term use. Snap peas and snow peas can usually be stored whole. A breathable bag or container in the refrigerator works well for a brief storage period.

If you want to keep them longer, blanching and freezing is a good option. That way, you can enjoy your harvest after the season ends. Even then, peas you grew yourself often taste better than store-bought frozen peas because they were picked at the right time.

One of my favorite garden moments is standing by the sink with a bowl of fresh peas after harvest. There is something satisfying about seeing that bright green pile and knowing it came from a small patch of soil and a packet of seed.

Grow Peas - Seasonal Planting

Another great thing about peas is that they fit nicely into a seasonal garden plan. You can grow them in cool weather and then follow with a warm-season crop once the vines are done. That makes them a smart choice for raised beds and small garden spaces.

If you are new to gardening, peas are a friendly crop to try. They teach you about timing, trellising, harvesting, and season changes. They also reward you quickly, which is encouraging when you are still learning.

If you have grown other cool-season crops, peas still deserve a place in your Texas garden. Their flavor is hard to beat, and their growth habit adds beauty to the bed. The vines, flowers, and hanging pods make the garden feel alive.

When choosing varieties from David’s Garden Seeds, think about how you like to eat peas. If you want peas for shelling and cooking, choose shelling peas. If you want a sweet crunchy snack, choose snap peas. If you love stir-fries, choose snow peas. Or better yet, grow all three.

A mixed planting can be especially fun for families. You get different shapes, textures, and harvest windows. It also turns the garden into a tasting lesson, where you can compare shelling peas, snap peas, and snow peas right from the vine.

Grow Peas - Success With Peas

To sum it up, success with peas in Texas comes down to a few simple steps:

Plant in the cool seasons
Sow seeds directly in good soil
Give vines support
Water evenly
Harvest often
Finish before heat arrives

If you remember those basics, you will be well on your way to a harvest that tastes nothing like canned peas. You really can grow peas-shelling peas, snap peas, and snow peas in your garden in Texas in fall and in early spring, and the reward is fresh flavor that is sweet, crisp, and far better than anything from a grocery shelf.

So go ahead and give peas a place in your next Texas garden. Start with quality seed from David’s Garden Seeds, plant at the right time, and enjoy the process from first sprout to final harvest. Once you taste peas fresh from the garden, you may never look at a can of peas the same way again.

Monday, August 10, 2026

Good morning. It will be another hot one with a high of 100° and it is very humid today.

We were busy all day long with just one helper and we worked until 7pm, all three of us. The helper went home at 4pm.

Then I had to cook dinner and help David with some copies and paperwork. By the time I got to sit down, my feet and ankles were killing me. I fell asleep on the couch while watching TV and when I woke up, I had to force myself to shower and go to bed. I was exhausted.

Tuesday, August 11, 2026

Alice with Jerry, one of her twin sons...

I am usually an early riser. I woke up this morning at 7:35am which is highly unusual but I was so tired from all of that time on my feet yesterday...

It is the first day of school all around here as well as in a lot of San Antonio. I am sorry but August 11 is ridiculously way too early.

When I was a kid, we always started the day after Labor Day in September. The last two weeks of August, our family was always on vacation. We would come home, buy some school clothes, watch the Jerry Lewis telethon on that Sunday afternoon through Monday afternoon on Labor Day and then pick out our first day of school outfits. For the next two weeks or so, it would be hot but then the cooler fall weather would start blowing in and we had to wear jackets. Why on earth do people here want to go back to school in the middle of summer?

Today we had two helpers and I feel like we got a lot done. I came home at 5pm and made a delicious pork stir fry with fresh vegetables that I chopped, cooked, and served over rice. Matt had two servings so I know it was good. David critiqued the rice but he said the meat and vegetables were good.

The high reached 100° again today.

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Good morning. It will be 100° again today. A Facebook friend posted a 7 day weather forecast showing every day will be 100° or more in Waco, Texas and she said she posted it because she has never seen anything like it before. What? This is our reality every day here in South Central Texas.

The high today was actually 103°. I had a severe bloody nose this morning while I was getting ready for work. It lasted for 40 minutes! That has never happened before. I looked it up and I think it was from using Flonase almost every day because my nose has been running. I have had several of these really bad ones over the past few weeks but today's was the worst. So no more Flonase. If you see me and my nose is running non-stop, you'll know why.

I have been busy pulling and closing orders all day long. I had leftovers for dinner all by myself as David left this evening. I watched Gordon on MasterChef and then I dusted the living room, kitchen, and den. I was finishing up when David got home.

I caught the sunset this evening as the dogs were barking in the house. I thought maybe someone was here...

Thursday, August 13, 2026

3 years ago, a customer sent me Pride of Barbados seeds. 10 plants grew. Only 1 remains and it finally bloomed this week! Beautiful!

Good morning. David left super early for his and Matt's father/son makeover. I got up just after 6am and I could not find him. At 6:45am, one of our helpers drove in through the gate. I called him to let him know. He said he knew and that she knew what to do. I have no idea what that is but he would not tell me. Hopefully, she does whatever it is and does not come to the house because I am not dressed yet.

I will be doing some more cleaning early this morning before work. It is the only time to do it.

I did some cleaning including vacuuming some of the house. Also, my new kitchen trash can came from Amazon today. I carried the stupid broken one out to the dumpster and put the new one in the kitchen. It is shorter and the bags fit better. It looks good and does not move each time we open it like the other one did.

The day was busy. I pulled and filled a lot of orders plus I had to make a bunch of special orders since we had no helpers whatsoever.

I worked until 7pm and I just couldn't do anymore. David kept going.

Friday, August 14, 2026

Good morning. I had neuropathy all throughout the night, once in my fingers and it would not stop. This caused me to get very little sleep.

David and Matt went out at 7am to do some yard work. I fed the puppies and I need to do a bit of cleaning. That way, I won't be so overwhelmed tomorrow afternoon once the store closes.

Time to go make some eggs and get dressed. I have about eight dozen eggs if you need some good, farm fresh eggs today.

We had five customers buying seeds for their fall gardens today in person. That took a lot of time out of my day so I am way behind on orders. Funny thing is that not one of them wanted eggs. Hopefully, someone will buy them tomorrow.

Around 4:15pm today, it started raining sort of sideways. Too bad it did not last long. At least the breeze made it slightly cooler. The rain never started back up and none is supposed to start over the weekend.

Saturday, August 15, 2026

Good morning. I got up as David was leaving to go out back with Matthew. I found breakfast on the stove that David had made, a homemade breakfast sandwich! Yay!

David and Matt worked out back. I pulled and closed orders. One visitor came during business hours but she just wanted our hours. She said she would come back on another day to shop. Matt was drenched in sweat so he went home around 10am. David mowed.

Around 1pm, David told me he lost his phone somewhere in the back. Matt came back over to help him look. By the time the store closed, he still had not found the phone.

I went to the house to get a hat and boots to go help. I looked out the front door at 2:04pm and there was a car in the parking lot. The store lights were off and I was done for the day. I went over and found a man in the dark store shopping. He said he was shopping for seeds and asked if he wasn't allowed to do that... I explained that the store closes at 2pm but since he was here, I would turn the lights on and wait on him. He said no but that he did not know the store was closed. He mentioned the gate is still open. I told him it would close momentarily and it did.

I should have locked the building but I was going to go back later in the day to feed the fish and we live here. No one came during our open time so how did I know someone would come after we closed?

Here is a bit of a hint for those of you who can't figure out when a business is closed. When you enter a business that has their lights off and no one is around, they are closed. There is a sign showing our hours in the store.

I let the guy out of the gate and then went back to orchard.

After close to an hour, Matt spotted the phone. He had been calling it but it was overheated in the 100° sun so it would not ring.

Poor Matt then got called back after he left to fix the pond. It went completely off for some reason.

David and I went to Walmart to shop for a few groceries and pick up prescriptions. What an exhausting day!

Sunday, August 16, 2026

Lois Lane and Clark Kent, Trixie's twins were playing in the hay that they should be eating. They are the youngest twins.

Good morning. It is staying darker longer in the mornings. I had not realized it until I was going to go out early and feed everyone. Anyway, I hate going out in the heat.

I got everyone taken care of. The pond is super low so we might have a hole in the liner. It is not flowing properly so right now, there is more water going in. I just filled it three days ago. Hopefully, I can get enough water in it so it will start flowing.

Once again, we are about out of goat food and hay. I arranged the hay differently for the goats and they are liking it. They sure do eat a lot.

By the time we left for church, there was enough water in the pond for the falls to work. It was still going by tonight.

At 6pm, David said he had a package delivered by Walmart at the front gate. I went out there and couldn't see anything. Now keep in mind that Walmart has our gate code so they could actually have come in but this yahoo did not.

We have a short gate so the driver could have put it over the gate and into our yard but, once again, this Yahoo did not do that. He or she dropped it on the ground outside of the gate. It was a 9 inch by 12 inch almost flat envelope which I finally saw. So I had to open the gate and go out and get it. What is wrong with people. It could have blown away down the road.

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