Is it possible to plant peas before winter and how to do it

Sowing before winter allows you to get the desired harvest in the spring. For this, seeds of frost-resistant crops are sown in late autumn. Many gardeners are wondering if it is possible to plant peas before winter. The crop is suitable for planting for wintering, however, you should know how and when it is best to plant, as well as the varieties that are most suitable for this purpose.

Can I plant peas before winter?

Winter pea is a relatively new crop that deserves due attention. Seeds hardened during the winter and well swollen germinate faster, resulting in an earlier and larger harvest.

Pros and cons

Peas contain many useful vitamins, fiber, carotene and protein.

Planting seeds before winter has advantages and disadvantages. Among the positive aspects noted:

The planted seeds enjoy the first warmth and spring moisture, germinate rapidly and are characterized by good seedlings.
Plants are less exposed to various diseases and pests.
Due to earlier germination, the harvest is obtained several weeks earlier than what was sown in the spring.
Winter hardening provides excellent frost resistance.
With the advent of the summer drought, a good root system is formed in the plants of winter sowing. Thanks to this, the harvest is more.
Sowing before winter allows you to see if shoots have appeared in the spring and re-plant if necessary.

A plus is the fact that after harvesting an early harvest, seeds can be re-sown in the beds, the fruits of which will be in late autumn.

If we talk about the shortcomings, winter sowing is possible only for spring-summer vegetables. The uneven maturation of the culture is also noted.

Winter planting varieties

For winter planting, varieties of winter peas are taken that will withstand low temperatures and give a good harvest.

Variety NS Frost passed the necessary tests, among the positive qualities they note frost resistance, productivity, resistance to diseases and lodging. Harvesting is carried out 10 days before harvesting winter barley, around June 10-15. The yield is 4-6 t/ha.

What fertilizer to apply before planting

In autumn, when digging, organic matter is introduced into the beds - humus, compost. Peas are best planted in soil where beets, potatoes, zucchini, corn, eggplant were previously grown.

The application of mineral fertilizers is carried out based on the content of nutrients in the soil and the level of the expected yield. Winter peas are fertilized using potassium chloride, ammophos and complex minerals.

Soil preparation

For legumes, it is important to create the right conditions. When sowing before winter, it is preferable to use peat cups in which the root system of plants develops. Sprouting is best done at home.

When to plant?

The landing is mainly carried out in the period of November 17-23. However, there are no exact dates, since planting is carried out when the ground is a little frosty. First you need to make special grooves for seeds.

Seed preparation

Peas can be sown dry and sprouted. Some warm the seeds before sowing, lowering them for 5-10 minutes. in a solution consisting of water and boric acid (2 g per 10 liters of water). This type of pre-sowing treatment provides protection against plant damage by pests, among which is the nodule weevil larva.

Soaking in plain warm water lasts at least 15 hours. Landing is carried out only after complete swelling. It is also recommended to add growth stimulants to the water.

When planting in winter, peas are planted dry, otherwise the seeds may germinate and die.

Sowing before winter

The grooves in the ground prepared for sowing do not need to be watered. Spread peas more often than with normal sowing, as some of the weak seeds may die and not germinate.

Seeds are covered with earth, prepared in advance and left in a barn or other room, with a positive temperature.

What to do in spring?

With the onset of spring, the growth of wintering peas begins from underground buds. The yield is much higher and ripens earlier.

To improve the regeneration of the above-ground mass, the formation of side shoots and the growth of the root system, in the spring you need to do top dressing using nitrogen fertilizers. Fungicides are applied to ensure disease resistance.

Adhering to simple rules, you can plant peas in your own garden before winter and get a good harvest. Proper preparation and planting will ensure the he alth and development of plants.