PEA - KARINA, organic seed, heirloom

Pisum sativum

lants grow up to 60 cm height, pods are dark green, with 9–10 peas in the pod. Grows best in medium heavy soil permeable to water and air

Sow: III-V
Harvest: VI-VII

Growing peas is a relatively straightforward process, and they are a delightful addition to any garden. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to grow peas:

1. Choose the Right Pea Variety:

• There are various types of peas, including shelling peas, snow peas, and snap peas. Choose a variety that suits your preferences and growing conditions.

2. Timing and Planting:

• Peas prefer cool weather, so plant them early in the spring. You can also plant a second crop in late summer for a fall harvest. Plant seeds directly into the soil as peas don't transplant well. Sow seeds about 1 to 1.5 inches deep.

3. Soil Preparation:

• Peas thrive in well-draining soil with organic matter. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral.

4. Spacing and Support:

• Space the pea seeds 2 to 4 inches apart in rows, leaving about 18 to 24 inches between rows. Peas are climbing plants, so provide a trellis, stakes, or netting for support as they grow.

5. Watering:

• Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and pod development. Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to diseases. Adequate water is crucial for good pea production.

6. Fertilizing:

• Peas generally don't require heavy fertilization, especially if you've prepared the soil with compost. If needed, you can side-dress with a balanced fertilizer when the plants are about 6 inches tall.

7. Mulching:

• Mulch around the pea plants to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil cool. Mulching also helps prevent the peas from coming into contact with the soil, reducing the risk of diseases.

8. Harvesting:

• Harvest peas when the pods are plump but still tender. The ideal harvesting time depends on the pea variety. Shelling peas are ready when the pods are full but not overly mature. Snow peas are best when the pods are flat, and snap peas when the peas inside the pod are just starting to swell.

9. Succession Planting:

• To extend your pea harvest, consider succession planting every few weeks. This ensures a continuous supply of fresh peas.

10. Crop Rotation:

• Rotate the location of pea plants each year to minimize the risk of soil-borne diseases.
   

  Demeter is the quality mark for produce that has been grown biodynamically and the products that use both Demeter produce and approved processes. Named after the Greek goddess of agriculture, this quality mark ensures that food meets the highest quality standards, carefully grown, gently processed and packed. Demeter products are always certified to both organic and Demeter standards.
  Demeter was founded in 1924 by Rudolf Steiner and is therefore the oldest organic farming association in Germany. The products of biodynamic agriculture are highly regarded by consumers and are produced under strict guidelines.

  The Demeter trademark is the only global brand to recognise certified products and produce that is biodynamic. Our strict standards go above and beyond organic, providing you with premium quality products. Demeter products are always certified to both organic and Demeter standards.

  The EU organic label sets a minimum standard for organically produced food. Demeter’s philosophy and farming methods, however, go far beyond this standard. This benefits the quality of the food as much as the environment. For example, a focus on soil quality and regeneration with required preservation of biodiversity. The consistent development of the standards and regular inspections results in the highest quality produce and products.

  Biodynamic Benefits

• 100% conversion of the farm to biodynamic land
• Animals integrated into the arable farming system, supporting soil regeneration
• All farm animals are fed a 100 percent organic diet of which at least 80 percent of the feed ration for ruminants, and at least 50 percent of all other animals, must be biodynamically produced.
• A minimum of 50 per cent of the fodder comes from the farm itself or a nearby partner, supporting the ideal of a closed system.
• No painful dehorning of cows, debeaking of poultry or docking of tails. Animals are treated with respect as sentient beings.
• Use of biodynamic preparations, from herbs, minerals and cow manure, to stimulate soil regeneration and essential organism growth.
• Demeter farmers use biodynamic seed, guaranteeing no genetic modification of any kind
• Only a limited number of absolutely necessary additives are permitted in processing. Iodisation, the use of nitrates and ‘natural’ flavours are prohibited. Only flavour extracts are permitted. The EU organic standard still allows additives that Demeter biodynamic standards prohibit.