Last Updated on April 3, 2024 by Real Men Sow
A trellis is a vertical structure that supports a climbing pea tree. It can be made of bamboo, wood, or metal and allows climbing plants to climb higher. If a trellis isn’t an option, how can you ensure that your peas don’t fall to the ground because of their fragile stems? It is possible to have lush, healthy peas without trellis. Simply plant them closer together. Instead of grabbing onto a vertical structure, they can be pinned to each other and move up together as if one was there.
It is fascinating to see what happens when a pea plant begins climbing. They will do anything to reach the sun and will climb over any plants in their path. They can even be described as impatient. It’s almost like they are so eager to get the sun’s energy that they skip the foundation phase. Instead of building strong roots that are sturdy and supportive, they grab on to everything and anyone that will help them climb.
The Best Substitute for The Support Of A Trellis
Plant them in close proximity (16 seeds per square foot will work) and arrange them in 4 x 4-seed rows per block. The peas will also grab onto each other for support as they grow upward. Pea plants have taken over the function of the trellis and are now relying on one another for support.
This is a great way to grow plants together, as they will be so close that they cannot bend or break. Unwanted weeds will also be restricted if they are allowed to grow in any space. You can attach stakes to your plants to support them if you are worried about their ability to climb without a tree. They will still be able to move up and have a lower chance of withering.
Starting A Garden of Peas Without Trellis at Home
It is easy to grow your own pea garden with no trellis. And it is essential to create the right environment for your plants so they can grow to their best. Planting different varieties of peas in your garden is a good practice. You will never run out of peas because they will have different harvesting times.
It is best to plant your seedlings indoors before you start. This will ensure that seeds are not lost or miscarried. It is easier to care for your seedlings when they grow if they are indoors in a planter.
You will have enough time to plan your garden without the need for a trellis. It is important to be precise about your spacing and planting zones.
What You Need For Your Indoor Starter Garden:
- Potting soil
- Compost
- A plant pot, homemade planter, or a few small planters (all will have a good drainage system)
- Pea plant seeds (select seeds from a variety of different peas species)
- Small garden fork
- Large plastic container
- Watering can with a gentle sprinkler head
The Method:
- Mix your compost and potting soil together in a large container. Use a small gardening fork to mix them. Before you start mixing the compost and potting dirt, make sure it is thoroughly mixed. Transfer the soil into your planter.
- Root rot can be caused by pebbles or stones being placed at the bottom. The pebbles hold most of the water and cause roots to become submerged in the excess water. They will eventually drown from insufficient oxygen supply and begin to rot.
- To make small holes in the soil, you can use your fingers. Place your seeds 1 1/2 inches apart and about 1 12 inches deep. Place your seeds about 2 to 3 inches from the sides of your potter.
- You can water your seeds after you have planted them.
- When your seedlings grow indoors, make sure that the soil is kept moist. Seedlings need 8-10 hours of natural sunlight, artificial sunlight, or both. Place them near a window to get enough sunlight throughout the day.
Preparation of The Seedlings For Safe And Successful Transplanting
- Place your seedlings outdoors before you transplant them. This can be done between 5 and 10 days before the transplant date.
- Reduce the amount of fertilizer and water you are giving your seedlings during this period to help them adapt to the outdoors. This will make them adapt quicker once they are transplanted.
- It is best to transplant seedlings on warm days with some overcast. This will allow them to establish their roots in the soil. Keep an eye on the weather forecast.
- Your seedlings are ready to be transplanted when they have 2-4 leaves above the ground. They are ready to go through the photosynthesis process.
Preparing Your Garden
You can prepare your garden without a trellis and it is easy to do. Garden wire can be used to cut off the area you are going to transplant. Once you have measured the area, divide it into blocks of 1 square feet using more garden wire. To create a grid, you can attach the wire to small poles. If you don’t have garden wire, or don’t want too much trouble, you can draw the blocks in soil.
Peas thrive in cooler temperatures and will not grow well in hot climates. The soil temperature should not be less than 45 degrees Fahrenheit. To test the soil’s temperature, you can use a soil thermometer.
Peas can withstand a bit of frost but not too much heat or humidity. Your soil pH should be between 6.5 to 7.5. Lime or dolomite can be added to soil to help balance pH levels and make it safe for peas to grow in. You can test your soil’s pH with a home test kit or distilled water (pH neutral).
Peas need to be grown in sandy soil that has a good drainage system. They are legumes and naturally produce nitrogen in their roots. Therefore, won’t need to be fertilized. However, you should add aged compost to improve drainage.
Although it can do wonders to their leaves, the nitrogen will not affect their pod production. Before you add it to your soil, make sure you check the ingredients.
How Do You Transplant Your Seedlings?
After you have checked the soil and the air temperature and installed a drainage system, it is time to transplant the seedlings into the garden. You should remove the whole plant, including its roots. Also, try to not damage any parts of the plant.
Use a small garden spade to make your holes and then plant them in the sectioned blocks (1 x 1). Space them at 4 inches, not more than 1-1 1/2 inches (the same height as indoors) and 2 inches from the blocks’ edges. When they move up, they will grab the plants next to them.
This method of growing peas will show you that you can plant them without the need for a trellis. It works well. They will support each other and won’t fall to the ground, causing damage or breakage.
Care Guide
Peas love water and also love sunlight (not too hot), as it is essential for the production of fruit. Pea plants should not be left dry. Water them about once a week. Overwatering can cause root rot. This is due to the insufficient oxygen and unwelcome fungus that is attracted by moisture.
Your plants will need extra water once they start to bloom. Be on the lookout if there are any blooms. Mulch can be added to the soil around the stems and on top of it. This will help maintain a consistent temperature in the garden. It will keep unwanted weeds away.
Spray the leaves, especially the undersides, with insecticidal soap. This will keep aphids away from your pea plants. They can cause yellowing and curling of the leaves.
You can add 1 teaspoon of molybdate to 1000 square feet if your leaf margins appear scorched. You should always test the soil before you plant. It could be that pollen is not reaching the female plants if there are no pods after the pea blossoms have been bluffed. To help spread pollen, give the plants a gentle shake.
Harvest and Storage
Root rot should not be allowed to occur when you harvest your peas. The roots contain nitrogen-fixing bacteria that can provide enough nitrogen for your next pea crop to grow in. Instead of pulling out the roots, you can snip the stems with a garden scissor (or a pair of shears), just above the ground. Your soil will be ready to go the next round if the roots are not removed from the ground.
Pick your pods with care. Because the roots are very shallow in the ground, this is a delicate task. You could endanger the whole plant if you pull on the pods too hard. Avoid this by using one hand to grasp the vines, and the other to gently pick up the pods. You can dry your peas after harvesting them.
