Garden peas are one of the first things to go in the ground each year — sown outdoors in mid March, weeks before the last frost, into cold soil that other vegetables would refuse. They are a cool-season crop that bolts and stops producing as soon as summer heat arrives, so early sowing is everything. The nitrogen-fixing roots leave the bed better than they found it, making peas a natural first crop before hungry summer vegetables like squash or kale.
Pick pods regularly — a pod left on the vine signals the plant to stop producing. Succession sow every two weeks from mid March through early April to extend the harvest window.
Powdery mildew
White or grey powdery coating on leaves — usually starting on older growth in humid conditions or when nights cool.
Improve air circulation by thinning plants. Apply neem oil or potassium bicarbonate spray at first sign. Avoid overhead watering.