Knowing what to plant after peas is one of the smartest moves you can make in your vegetable garden. This simple decision sets the stage for healthier soil and better harvests later in the season. Peas are a fantastic early crop, but once they’re finished, you have a golden opportunity. That empty space is valuable real estate. Let’s talk about how to choose the right followers to keep your garden thriving.
Peas are known as “nitrogen-fixers.” They work with bacteria in the soil to pull nitrogen from the air and store it in little nodules on their roots. When the pea plants are done, this nitrogen becomes available for the next plants you grow. It’s like leaving a gift in the soil for the next crop. The key is to choose plants that will use that gift well.
What To Plant After Pees
Did you catch the typo? It happens to the best of us! The heading should, of course, read “Peas.” This section is all about the best candidates to follow your pea harvest. We’ll break them down into clear categories so you can pick what works for your garden plan.
Top Vegetable Choices for Post-Pea Beds
These vegetables are excellent at using the nitrogen boost peas provide. They also have different root systems and needs, which helps with overall soil health.
- Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and lettuce are nitrogen lovers. They use it to produce lush, green leaves. You can get a quick crop in before fall.
- Brassicas (Cabbage Family): This includes broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage. These are heavy feeders that will thrive on the extra nutrients. They’re perfect for a fall harvest.
- Corn: Corn is another plant that needs a lot of nitrogen to grow tall and produce full ears. Planting it after peas is a classic companion strategy.
- Squash and Cucumbers: These vining plants have different root zones and can benefit from the improved soil structure. They’ll cover the ground, suppressing weeds.
What to Avoid Planting After Peas
Not every plant is a good follower. The main group to avoid are other legumes. This is because they are in the same plant family and can share pests and diseases.
- Beans (pole beans, bush beans, lima beans)
- Lentils
- Peanuts
- More peas
It’s best to wait at least two or three years before planting legumes in the same spot again. This practice, called crop rotation, keeps your soil balanced and disease pressure low.
The Importance of Crop Rotation
Rotating your crops isn’t just a fancy technique; it’s essential for a healthy garden. It prevents the depletion of specific nutrients from the soil. It also disrupts the life cycles of pests and diseases that target certain plant families.
Think of it like this: if a pest that loves peas wakes up in spring, it finds your bean plants instead. It’s not it’s preferred food, so the pest population doesn’t explode. This simple step saves you a lot of trouble.
How to Plan a Simple Rotation
- Group by Family: Learn the basic plant families (legumes, brassicas, nightshades, etc.).
- Map Your Garden: Draw a simple sketch of your beds each year.
- Follow a Leader: After a legume (peas), plant a heavy feeder (like broccoli). The next year, plant a light feeder (like onions) in that spot.
Step-by-Step: Preparing Your Bed After Peas
Don’t just pull your peas and pop in a new plant. A little preparation makes a huge difference. Here’s what to do.
- Harvest and Clear: Pick all remaining peas. Then, cut the pea plants off at the soil line with shears. Do not pull them out by the roots.
- Leave the Roots: Those roots are full of valuable nitrogen. Leave them in the ground to decompose and feed the soil life.
- Add Compost: Gently work a 1-2 inch layer of finished compost into the top few inches of soil. This adds organic matter and other nutrients.
- Water the Bed: Give the empty bed a good soak to help start the decomposition process and settle the soil.
- Plant Your New Crops: Now you’re ready to transplant or sow seeds for your chosen follow-up plants.
Great Companion Plants for a Succession Garden
Sometimes, you might want to interplant or choose a follower that offers additional benefits. Consider these options:
- Root Vegetables: Carrots, beets, and turnips can do well. The nitrogen boost helps with their leafy top growth, which supports root development.
- Herbs: Dill or cilantro can be quick-growing options that attract beneficial insects to your garden.
- Flowers: Marigolds or nasturtiums are not just pretty. They can help deter pests from your new vegetable crops.
FAQs: Planting After Peas
Can I plant tomatoes after peas?
Yes, tomatoes can be planted after peas. They are not in the same family and will appreciate the nitrogen. However, ensure you add some compost, as tomatoes also need other nutrients like phosphorus and potassium.
How long should I wait to plant after harvesting peas?
You can plant right away! Once the bed is cleared and prepared (following the steps above), you can sow seeds or transplant seedlings immediately for a seamless succession.
What is the best summer crop to plant after spring peas?
For a mid-summer planting, try heat-loving greens like Swiss chard, or fast-maturing brassicas like broccoli raab. Squash and cucumbers are also excellent summer choices that fill the space.
Should I fertilize the bed after peas?
The compost you add during bed preparation is usually sufficient. The nitrogen from the pea roots is a big help. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can cause leafy growth at the expense of fruits or roots on plants like tomatoes or carrots.
Can I plant peppers after peas?
Absolutely. Peppers, like tomatoes, are in the nightshade family and make fine followers for peas. They will benefit from the improved soil conditions.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best plans, things can come up. Here’s how to handle a couple common scenarios.
If your peas had disease: If your pea plants showed signs of mildew or wilt, it’s crucial to remove the entire plant, roots and all. Do not leave the roots in the soil, as they may harbor the disease. Clean up all debris and consider a different rotation.
If the soil seems tired: Sometimes, despite the peas, the soil might need more help. Adding a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer when you add your compost can give plants a steady supply of food. Listen to what your plants are telling you.
Choosing what to plant after peas is a strategic decision that reaps rewards. By selecting a nitrogen-loving crop and practicing good rotation, you build soil health naturally. You reduce pest problems and make the most of your gardening space. That empty pea patch isnt the end of a harvest; it’s the beginning of your next garden success. With a little planning, you can enjoy a continuous, productve garden from spring straight through to fall.