Are you growing peas in West Virginia, but don’t know when the best time to harvest them is?
Harvesting peas is not as easy as it seems.
Here’s why:
- Peas have a very short window when they can be harvested and still taste great.
So if you harvest them too early they may not be ready and taste bad. And if you harvest them too late they may become infected with mold, fungus, insects, etc., and become inedible.
Today, I’m going to teach you the ideal time to harvest peas in West Virginia:
- To Learn More About HOW to Grow Peas, Check Out This GUIDE!
When Do I Harvest Peas in West Virginia?
As you may have already guessed, there are two main factors that determine when you should harvest your peas: the physical features of the peas & weather (time).
Harvest Peas if They Look Like This!!!
The physical features of peas are what most gardeners commonly rely on to determine if they are ready to be picked off the plant or not.
In general, you should harvest peas if they have the following physical features:
- The entire peas is a solid red color. If the peas is a lighter shade of red, it is not ready to be harvested
- The peas is slightly soft. Too hard means it is not ready. Too soft means it is overripe (but still edible)
- Easily able to be deattached from the the plant. This means it has absorbed all the nutrients it needs and is ready.
Harvest Your Peas During THIS Time of Year!!!
In general, you should harvest peas:
- 65 to 85 days after starting peas from seed
- 40 to 50 days after planting peas in your garden
- 20 to 30 days after peas first appear
And no matter what, you should ALWAYS harvest your peas before the first frost of the year. Frost will immediately kill your peas plant and make your peas inedible.
For your reference, I have created this table for average frost dates for most major cities in West Virginia. If your city is not listed below you can find its Last & First Frost Dates HERE.
West Virginia Last & First Frost Dates
It should be noted that you should not overly rely on the first frost of the year. The average first frost of the year is only correct 30% of the time.
Instead, pay close attention to your local weather.
When you know a frost is coming you need to take action.
- If peas are in pots, bring them inside
- If peas are in the ground, cover them in burlap and hope they survive
- Pick all peas. If they are not ready, place them in a brown paper bag and store them for approximately 1 to 2 weeks to see if they become edible.
If you want to learn WHEN to harvest ANY Vegetable in West Virginia, head over to HERE and just type in the vegetable you want to grow.
