How To Start Peas Indoors
Step 1: Get your supplies.
Pots: You will want to use larger-than-average pots for seed starting. I generally am a huge fan of using egg cartons or those cool little trays, but for peas, these just aren't practical. Peas grow so fast that they would need to be repotted within a week or two anyway. The pots you see in my video are perfect since they can be re-used and are big enough that I won't have to repot. That said, if you have something else laying around that you can use about that size - go for it!
Potting Soil: You can make your own or buy some. I bought mine this year. Whatever is left over will end up in my raised garden beds.
Seeds: I like snow peas, so that is what I am doing here, but this how-to applies to whatever pea seeds you want to do. I use seeds from Southern Exposure since they are local, and I know it helps out local growers. I do also save my own seeds a lot of the time, but these are a dwarf variety that I am trying for the first time!
Water: You want enough water to soak however many you plant really, really well.
Step 2: Fill pots with dirt
Fill however many pots you are planting to the very top with dirt. Remember that the dirt will compress when watered, and you are only going to be planting your seed about a half inch deep.
Step 3: Poke a half-inch hole
I only plant one seed per pot since they grow so fast, but some people like to do two per pot. It helps you be sure that you will have at least one germinate per pot. Honestly, they grow so fast, you'd notice one not germinate within a week. Do whatever floats your happiness boat.
For each seed, poke a hole deep enough to cover your first knuckle.
Step 4: Drop the seed into the hole
Step 5: Cover the seed with more potting soil
Cover the seed with more potting soil. Remember, fill it to the very top of the pot. You can pat down gently so that it doesn't wash away when you water. No need for it to be compacted down or anything.
Step 6: Water your seeds.
Water them thoroughly. Soak 'em good.
Step 7: Place under grow light or in window sill.
Peas are full sun plants, so they will need access to good, full days of sun.
Once you start seeing leaves form, you will want to start hardening them off. I'll be writing another post about this, but make sure to only put them out for a few hours at first. It has to be gradual. I have killed many-a-plant with my impatience when it comes to hardening them off. The good thing with peas is that if you kill them, you can plant another and within a week, you can try again!
Happy planting!
