If you want fresh, sweet peas year-round, learning how to grow peas indoors is a perfect project. This simple indoor gardening guide will show you it’s easier than you might think, even without a backyard.
You don’t need a lot of space or equipment. With just a sunny spot and the right care, you can enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting your own pods. Let’s get started on your indoor pea garden.
How To Grow Peas Indoors – Simple Indoor Gardening Guide
Growing peas inside follows the same basic principles as outdoors, but with you in control of the environment. The key is mimicking the cool, sunny conditions peas love.
Choosing the Best Pea Varieties for Indoor Growing
Not all peas are equally suited for containers. You want compact, high-yielding types.
- Dwarf or Bush Varieties: These are ideal. They grow only 1-2 feet tall and don’t require extensive staking. Look for names like ‘Tom Thumb’ or ‘Little Marvel’.
- Snap Peas and Snow Peas: These are excellent choices. You eat the entire pod, maximizing your harvest from a small number of plants.
- Avoid Tall Telephone/Vining Types: Traditional climbing peas can reach 6 feet. They’re not practical for most indoor setups unless you have a very large trellis system.
Essential Supplies You’ll Need
Gathering your supplies first makes the process smooth. Here’s your checklist:
- Containers: Use pots at least 8-12 inches deep and wide with excellent drainage holes. Fabric grow bags are also a great option.
- Potting Mix: Use a high-quality, lightweight potting mix. Do not use garden soil, as it compacts in containers and can harbor disease.
- Seeds: Your chosen pea seeds. You can start with a small packet.
- Support: Even dwarf peas benefit from a small trellis, tomato cage, or a few bamboo sticks. This keeps plants tidy and healthy.
- Grow Lights (Optional but Recommended): If you lack a very sunny south-facing window, LED grow lights are essential for strong growth, especially in winter.
- Watering Can: One with a long, narrow spout for gentle watering at the soil level.
Step-by-Step Planting Instructions
Follow these steps for the best start. Peas germinate quickly, so you’ll see results fast.
1. Preparing Your Container
Fill your container with moistened potting mix, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Ensure the pot is on a saucer to catch excess water.
2. Sowing the Seeds
Plant seeds about 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart. You can sow them in small clusters or rows within the pot. Cover gently with soil and pat down.
3. Initial Watering and Placement
Water thoroughly but gently until water runs out the drainage holes. Place the container in a cool spot (around 60-70°F) until seeds sprout, which takes 7-14 days. Keep the soil moist but not soggy during this time.
4. Providing Light and Support
Once seedlings emerge, move them to their permanent sunny location or under grow lights. Install your small trellis or supports early to avoid damaging roots later. Gently guide the young tendrils onto the support.
Caring for Your Indoor Pea Plants
Consistent care is simple but crucial for a good harvest.
Light Requirements
Peas need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. A south-facing window is best. If light is insufficient, stems will become leggy and weak. Supplement with a LED grow light for 12-14 hours a day, placed a few inches above the plants.
Watering and Humidity
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Peas like consistent moisture, but wet feet cause root rot. Water at the base of the plant, not the leaves. Indoor air can be dry; a occasional light misting or a nearby humidifier can help, but good air circulation is more important.
Temperature and Air Flow
Peas prefer cooler temperatures, ideally between 55-70°F. They often struggle in hot, stuffy rooms. Keep them away from heat vents and radiators. A gentle breeze from a small fan nearby strengthens stems and prevents mold by improving air circulation.
Feeding Your Plants
If you used a quality potting mix with compost, extra feeding might be minimal. When flowers begin to form, you can feed with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer or a fertilizer higher in potassium (like a tomato feed) every two to three weeks. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote leafy growth instead of pods.
Pollination: A Key Indoor Step
This is a step many forget. Outdoors, wind and insects pollinate pea flowers. Indoors, you need to help.
When flowers appear, gently shake the plants every day or two to distribute pollen. You can also use a small, clean paintbrush to dab inside each flower. This simple task makes a huge difference in pod set.
Harvesting Your Indoor Peas
Harvest time depends on the variety, but generally, pods are ready 60-70 days after planting.
- Pick snap and shelling peas when the pods look plump and rounded, but before they become dull or waxy.
- Harvest snow peas while the pods are still flat and the peas inside are just tiny bumps.
- Use two hands to hold the vine and snap the pod off. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more.
The taste of freshly picked indoor peas is incredible—sweet and crisp. They are best eaten immediately.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with good care, issues can pop up. Here’s how to fix them.
Yellowing Leaves
This can be caused by overwatering, underwatering, or a lack of nutrients. Check your soil moisture first. If watering habits are good, a light feed may help.
Leggy, Weak Seedlings
This is almost always due to insufficient light. Move them to a brighter location or bring your grow lights closer.
No Flowers or Pods
If plants are lush but not producing, it’s often due to lack of pollination (remember to shake them!), too much nitrogen fertilizer, or temperatures being consistently too high. Ensure nights are cool and your helping with pollination.
Powdery Mildew
A white powder on leaves is common in stagnant air. Improve air circulation with a fan, avoid wetting the foliage, and remove severely affected leaves. There are organic fungicides you can use if it persists.
FAQ: Your Indoor Pea Questions Answered
Can I grow peas indoors all year?
Yes, that’s one of the main advantages. By controlling light and temperature, you can grow peas in any season.
Do indoor pea plants need a lot of space?
Not necessarily. Dwarf varieties do well in modest-sized pots on a sunny windowsill or shelf.
How often should I water my indoor peas?
There’s no fixed schedule. Always check the soil. Water when the top inch is dry, which may be every few days depending on pot size and room temperature.
Can I use peas from the grocery store to grow?
It’s not recommended. They are often treated to prevent sprouting and may not be a variety suited for containers. Purchase seeds from a reliable garden supplier.
Why are my pea plant’s leaves turning white?
This is likely powdery mildew, a fungal issue. Increase air flow around your plants and try not to get the leaves wet when watering.
Starting your indoor pea garden is a rewarding way to enjoy gardening no matter the weather outside. With the right setup and a little daily attention, you’ll be picking sweet, homegrown peas right from your living space. Give it a try—you might be surprised by how much you can grow on a windowsill.