Growing Guide: Peas — Bay Area (USDA Zones 9–10)

Peas prefer cool weather and steady moisture. In most Bay Area microclimates, fall sowings produce winter–spring harvests; early spring sowings work inland before heat arrives.

When to plant (USDA 9–10)

• Fall: sow as soils cool and before heavy, prolonged rains; use well‑drained beds.

• Early spring: sow as soon as soil can be worked; heat ends the season.

Site, soil, and inoculation

• Sun near the coast; sun to light PM shade inland.

• Well‑drained beds; avoid walking on saturated soil.

• Consider rhizobium inoculant for new pea beds to improve nodulation.

Sowing, spacing, supports

• Sow 1–1½” deep, ~2” apart; rows 18–24”.

• Install trellis/netting at sowing for tall types; bush/dwarf types still benefit from low support.

Water & care

• Keep soil evenly moist; mulch lightly after emergence.

• Avoid overhead watering in the evening during mildew‑prone periods.

Harvest

• Pick often to maintain production; use two hands to prevent tearing vines.

Pest & disease watch

• Powdery mildew: favored by warm days/cool nights; choose sunny sites, increase spacing/airflow, water mornings; resistant varieties help.

• Aphids: wash off with water; manage tending ants; protect natural enemies.

Sources:

• UC IPM — Powdery mildew on vegetables; Aphids (https://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/powdery-mildew-on-vegetables/pest-notes/, https://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/aphids/pest-notes/).