Peas and Spinach – VINES (2024)

By Cynthia Averett, VINES Urban Farm Manager
03/05/21

I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose, I would always greet it in a garden. – Ruth Stout

While it may seem too early to start thinking about planting outside, there are certain crops that can handle some cold weather, and now is the time to get ready to seed them! Peas and spinach are two crops that can handle the cold, and even a snowfall. They actually like to grow in cooler temperatures. These plants can be seeded 4-6 weeks before the last frost, and many people use St. Patrick’s Day as their pea and spinach planting date.

Peas and Spinach – VINES (1)

If your soil is thawed enough to work the first 1-2 inches on the top, it is ready to plant. Here in the north, our soil can be pretty wet this time of year. This can be a problem for peas and spinach, as both of these seeds can rot when they are too wet, but as long as you don’t have standing water in your planting area, you should be good to go. You should see your plants emerge in 1-2 weeks, however in colder temperatures, it could take up to 3 weeks. If you don’t see your plants emerge after 3 weeks, it is best to seed them again. The seeds may have rotted in the ground: you can always dig a few of the seeds up and check to see if they have begun to grow, but seeding again is your best bet.

Another way to make sure you get a good crop is to over-seed a bit: plant 2 pea seeds per hole, 1-2 inches deep. Each seed should be planted 2-3 inches apart. Once the plants emerge, you can thin them (pull a few plants out) so they are 4 inches apart. You should leave 18-24 inches between rows. Spinach can be planted with 2-3 seeds per hole, about ½ inch deep. You can plant them 1 inch apart, and thin them so they are 3-6 inches apart once they emerge. You should leave 12-18 inches between rows.


Both of these plants can grow in partial shade, however your peas will be sweeter if you grow them in full sun! This time of year, winter can seem like it will never end, but sowing your first seeds in the garden always gives hope that warm weather and sunshine is on it’s way!

Peas and Spinach – VINES (2024)

FAQs

Can you plant spinach and peas together? ›

Spinach is another cold-hardy plant that grows in spring or fall along with peas. Growing peas and spinach together is a smart way to fit more plants in your garden since vertical-growing peas won't compete with spinach for space, while spinach leaves shelter the soil and prevent weeds.

Do sugar daddy snap peas need a trellis? ›

Sugar Daddy snap peas are a hardy cool-season crop. They aren't picky about maintenance and, since they are bush-type vines, they can grow with a small trellis or without one.

Will sugar snap peas survive a freeze? ›

peas can survive the cold but will suffer some damage. (This is assuming that the cold happens without an insulating blanket of snow.) If snow has fallen and has covered the peas, the plants can tolerate temperatures as low as 10 degrees F.

What not to plant next to peas? ›

Just as there are good companion plants to grow with peas, there are also plants that will inhibit your peas from growing properly. Alliums like onions, garlic, and chives stunt the growth of peas. Avoid planting peas and alliums in the same garden beds.

What should not be planted next to spinach? ›

However it is incompatible with Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Hyssop, Kohlrabi, Grape, Potato and Turnips. Some of the gardeners that grow spinach have found that they do not do well when planted together with potatoes. Some of these farmers believe it is because of the shallow roots of the spinach.

What grows best with peas? ›

Peas – Superb companions for beans, carrots, celery, corn, cucumber, eggplant, parsley, peppers. potatoes, radish, spinach, strawberries and turnips. Avoid planting peas near onions.

Do sugar snap peas like full sun or shade? ›

While sugar snap peas can grow in partial shade, they'll be sweeter and more productive when grown in full sun. Sugar snap peas prefer well drained soil so raised beds and pot works brilliantly.

How much room do sugar snap peas need to grow? ›

Plant the pea seeds 1 to 1-1/2 inches deep and about 2 inches apart, with 18 to 24 inches between rows, or follow the directions on your seed package for the variety you're growing. Rows of bush sugar snaps can usually be planted 12 to 18 inches apart.

How tall should a trellis be for sugar snap peas? ›

Simply zig-zag the panels through your row of peas and push them into the ground (add a stake on each end in windy locations). Total length 9'8" by 37" high installed. For more height, choose the Tall Expandable Pea Trellis, which is 64" high installed.

Will squirrels eat pea plants? ›

Squirrels in my yard also get very excited when I plant large seeds, such as sugar snap peas and sunflowers. Last year they ate every single snow pea that I planted. Seeds of this type require protection until they've fully sprouted and are actively growing-at least three weeks.

What month do you plant peas? ›

About Peas

It's essential to plant them early enough in spring so they mature while the weather is still cool! (This means planting in most parts of the United States and Canada in February, March, or April.) However, they can also be grown as a fall or winter crop in warmer regions.

What temperature is too hot for snap peas? ›

Most varieties of peas need about 60 days of growth before harvest. But they will stop growing and not produce flowers or pods once temperatures get above 85°F, as often happens in June. Although the plants do need full sun, peas produced in hot weather may also have poor quality.

Can marigolds be planted with peas? ›

Herbs like dill and flowers like marigolds attract beneficial insects that can protect peas from pests. Aromatic Protection: The strong scents of some herbs can confuse or repel pests, providing a natural barrier to protect peas.

What happens if you plant peas too close together? ›

Then sow your peas very close together in the trenches. Unlike many vegetables, they will perform better when crowded and even touching. There is no need to come back and thin – just sow and let 'em grow!

What should you not plant next to cucumbers? ›

Plants in the same family as zucchinis, melons and pumpkins should not be planted directly next to cucumbers. The same applies to Jerusalem artichokes, lovage, sage, radishes, radishes and tomatoes.

What does spinach like to be planted with? ›

Beans and peas are terrific companion plants for spinach. Not only do legumes affix nitrogen into the soil, but these taller companions help shade the spinach and keep it from bolting. Other spinach companion crops include cabbage, cauliflower, chard, onion, and strawberries.

What vegetables Cannot be planted together? ›

14 Vegetables You Should Never Plant Together—Gardening Experts Explain Why
  • 01 of 14. Beans and Onions. ...
  • 02 of 14. Tomatoes and Potatoes. ...
  • 03 of 14. Corn and Tomatoes. ...
  • 04 of 14. Tomatoes and Brassicas. ...
  • 05 of 14. Cucumber and Squash. ...
  • 06 of 14. Lettuce and Celery. ...
  • 07 of 14. Fennel and Tomatoes. ...
  • 08 of 14. Peppers and Cabbage.
Jan 16, 2024

How many peas to plant per hole? ›

Another way to make sure you get a good crop is to over-seed a bit: plant 2 pea seeds per hole, 1-2 inches deep. Each seed should be planted 2-3 inches apart. Once the plants emerge, you can thin them (pull a few plants out) so they are 4 inches apart.

What are the best vegetables to plant after peas? ›

Beans and peas enrich the soil. A good gardening practice is to follow beans or peas with a heavy-feeding plant, such as tomatoes or squash.

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