Little Crunch

START SEEDS OUTDOORS

In early to mid-spring, plant peas in full sun in well-worked, fertile soil. Sow 1 in. deep and 3 in. apart. Protect from marauding birds with netting or floating row covers if necessary. Wet, cold early spring weather may affect germination, so if first sowing doesn’t germinate evenly, replant right away: new seedlings catch up quickly. Sow again for a fall crop, several months before fall frosts.

FOR CONTAINERS

Plant in pots at least 15-18 in. in diameter and 12 in. deep. Sow 1 in. apart, 1 in. deep. When seedlings are 2-3 in., thin to 3 in. apart, so each little vine has growing room. Provide 2-3 ft. tall supports or a short trellis at planting time. Mulch to conserve moisture. Feed with all-purpose fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. If it gets hot, check and water containers daily; otherwise, water when the top inch of soil is dry. Water at base of the plants to avoid mildew.

HARVEST AND USE

Harvest only when peas are mature and rounded in the thick-walled, juicy pods for the best developed flavor. Savor their sweet crunch fresh (kids especially love them!) as a snack or slice into salads. To cook quickly, pull strings from pods and sauté in a little oil just until pods turn a deeper green color.