Preparing the Seeds and Planting Area

• 1). Split open the pea pods to expose the peas. The pods should feel brittle and crack open easily.
  
  
• 2). Slice off a small section on each individual pea. Use a pair of forceps or tweezers to hold each pea. A hobby knife or a small pair of scissors can be used to make the slice. Slicing off a small section helps the pea to absorb moisture and decreases the germination time.
  
  
• 3). Select a sunny site for planting the peas. For best air circulation to prevent any mildew from developing, try and select a site that will be in a north/south direction.
  
  
• 4). Dig up the area using a pick, fork or shovel to a depth of 12 to 14 inches. Pick out any garden debris as you work the soil, like rocks, sticks, clumps of weeds and any rotting vegetation.
  
  
• 5). Place out over the planting bed a 3 or 4 inch layer of well-rotted manure, aged compost or similar material. Peas require fertile soil that also has good drainage. Using an amendment will ensure the peas have the nutrients they need.
  
  
• 6). Create 2-foot-wide rows in the planting site. In the middle of the row use a trowel or a shovel to make a 3-inch-deep furrow.
  
  
• 7). Place the pea seeds into a bowl of water to soak for about 30 minutes.
  
  
• 8). Dust each pea seed with a nitrogen innoculant. Nitrogen innoculants are beneficial for all legume-type seeds to ensure the fastest growth and a maximum yield. Make sure you read the directions on the products label so you know how specifically to use the product.
  
  

Planting Pea Seeds

• 1). Plant one pea seed every 1 to 2 inches.
  
  
• 2). Scoop no more than 1 inch of soil over each of the pea seeds.
  
  
• 3). Water the planting bed thoroughly but use a gentle mist of water, not a stream, so you do not displace any of the seeds.
  
  
• 4). Cover the planting bed with a cloth or wire netting to keep the birds from destroying the pea seedlings. Make sure it is nice and taut over the bed. If necessary, weight the netting down with bricks or rocks.
  
  
• 5). Water the seed bed as often as required to keep the seed bed moist, but do not water so often it is drenched with water. Germination will begin in about 7 to 14 days, depending on the temperature.