Asparagus Pea

Site Selection & Soil Preparation 

 Sunlight:

• Full sun (4–6 hours daily). 

 Soil:

• Well=drained, deep, sandy loam
• Soil pH 6.5–7.0. 

 Preparation: 

• Remove weeds and rocks. 
• Amend with 10 cm of compost/aged manure. 
• Till soil to 30 cm inches depth for root penetration. 
• Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.

Starting Seeds Indoors 

 Timing:

• Start 12–14 weeks before last frost. 

 Seed Prep:

• Soak seeds in water for 24 hours to boost germination. 

 Planting: 

• Sow 1cm deep in seed trays with potting mix. 
• Space seeds 10 cm apart. 

   Germination temp:

• 16–30°C; takes 2–8 weeks. 

 Care: 

• Keep soil moist. 
• Provide bright light (grow lights if needed). 

Transplanting Seedlings 

 Hardening Off:

• Acclimate seedlings outdoors over 7–10 days. 

Spacing: 

• Rows: 1 m apart. 
• Plants: 40 cm apart. 

Ongoing Care 

 Watering:

• 5 cm weekly; avoid waterlogging. 

 Mulching:

• Apply 10 cm of straw/compost to retain moisture and suppress weeds. 

 Fertilising: 

• Year 1: Balanced fertilizer at transplanting. 
• Annually: Top dress with compost in spring and autumn. 

 Weeding:

• Hand weed carefully to avoid root disturbance.

Pest & Disease Management 

 Common Pests: 

• Asparagus Beetles. Handpick or use neem oil. 
• Caterpillars. Collar seedlings with cardboard. 

 Diseases: 

• Rust. Ensure airflow and remove infected foliage. 
• Prevention. Rotate crops every 10+ years; avoid overhead watering.

Harvesting 

 Timing: 

• Year 1–2: No harvest; let plants establish. 
• Year 3: Harvest spears for 6–8 weeks in spring. 

 Method:

• Cut 20 cm spears at soil level with a knife. 

 Post Harvest:

• Allow ferns to grow; they replenish roots for next year.

Companion Planting Guide 

Good Companions: 

• Basil & Parsley: Attract beneficial insects; deter pests. 
• Tomatoes: Repel asparagus beetles (1m apart to avoid competition). 
• Marigolds & Nasturtiums: Deter nematodes and beetles. 
• Spinach/Lettuce: Shallow roots; utilise space without competition. 

Avoid Planting With: 

• Alliums (Onions/Garlic): Compete for nutrients. 
• Potatoes: Risk of shared pests (e.g., asparagus beetle). 

Benefits: 

• Tall asparagus ferns provide light shade for cool season crops. 
• Flowering companions boost biodiversity and pest control.

Troubleshooting 

• Yellowing Ferns: Overwatering or nutrient deficiency. 
• Thin Spears: Overharvesting or young plants; reduce harvest time. 
• Poor Yield: Test soil pH; ensure adequate sun and nutrients.

Choosing the Right Variety

Peas are divided into two main types: bush peas and climbing peas.

Bush Peas:

• Compact plants that grow to about 1 m tall.
• Do not require trellising.
• Will benefits from light support from 1 m stakes
• Ideal for small gardens or containers.
• Lower yield per plant but easier to manage.
•  Harvest period: Shorter harvest window.

Climbing Peas:

• Vining plants that can grow up to 2 metres tall.
• Require trellising or a support structure.
• Produce higher yields over a longer period.
• Extended harvest window.

 Climate

• Peas thrive in cool to mild climates and are best grown in autumn, winter, and early spring in most parts of Australia.

Soil Preparation

PH:

• Peas prefer well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.

Soil type:

• Loamy soil is ideal, but peas can grow in most soil types if well drained.

 Amendments:

• Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.

Drainage:

• Ensure the soil is not waterlogged, as peas are prone to root rot.

Planting

 Seed spacing:

• Sow seeds 20 cm apart and 1 cm deep.

 Row spacing:

• Leave 20 cm between rows.

 Support:

• Install trellises, stakes, or netting at planting time to avoid disturbing roots later.

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall.
• Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.

Fertilising

• Peas are light feeders and can fix their own nitrogen with the help of rhizobia bacteria in the soil.
• If needed, apply a balanced fertiliser at planting time.
• Avoid high nitrogen fertilisers, as they promote leafy growth at the expense of pods.

Pest and Disease Management

 Common Pests

 Aphids:

• Spray with a mild soap solution or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs.

 Pea moths:

• Use row covers to protect plants.

 Snails and slugs:

• Handpick or use organic baits.

 Common Diseases

 Powdery mildew:

• Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.

 Fusarium wilt:

• Rotate crops and avoid planting peas in the same spot for 3-4 years.

Harvesting

Snow peas:

Harvest when pods are flat, and seeds are just beginning to form.

Sugar snap peas:

• Harvest when pods are plump but still tender.

Shelling peas:

• Harvest when pods are fully rounded but before they become tough.

 Regular harvesting encourages more production.

Companion Planting

 Good Companions

Carrots:

• Peas provide shade for carrots, which prefer cooler soil.

Radishes:

• Help deter aphids and other pests.

Corn:

• Acts as a natural trellis for climbing peas.

Lettuce:

• Benefits from the nitrogen fixed by peas.

Cucumbers:

• Grow well alongside peas and share similar soil requirements.

 Plants to Avoid

Onions and garlic:

• Can inhibit pea growth.

Potatoes:

• Compete for nutrients and may increase the risk of disease.

 Tips for Success

• Rotate crops annually to prevent soilborne diseases.
• Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Pick peas regularly to encourage continuous production.