A Detailed Guide to the Cultivation Techniques and Management Methods of Pea Shoots
Pea shoots are suitable for planting in fertile loam soil, but continuous cropping should be avoided, requiring at least a 4-5 year crop rotation. Before planting, apply sufficient base fertilizer to increase soil fertility. In late autumn or early winter, sow the seeds into the soil at a plant spacing of 30cm and a row spacing of 25cm, then cover with soil, water lightly, and apply fertilizer at the right time to achieve a high yield. After sowing and seedling emergence, set up trellises at the right time so the vines can grow along them and bear fruit quickly.
What are the precautions for growing pea shoots?
1. Soil conditions
Peas are not demanding about soil and are suitable for growing in various types of soil, but when planting in overly acidic soil, lime or plant ash needs to be applied to adjust the acidity. It should also be noted that peas should not be continuously cropped; generally, the same plot needs a 4-5 year crop rotation, so as to provide better soil conditions for their growth. Before planting, deep-plow the soil and apply organic fertilizer, farmyard manure or other fertilizers to provide sufficient nutrients for plant growth.
2. Sowing
Before sowing, the seeds need to be pre-germinated. First, use a salt solution of about 40% concentration to select the seeds, which helps remove some inferior seeds and pest-damaged seeds. Then begin germination. When the young sprouts emerge, place them in a low-temperature environment of 0-2 degrees, and sow after about half a month. The sowing time must be well controlled, as it affects the yield. Generally, spring sowing takes place in April-May, while overwintering sowing generally takes place in October-November. When sowing for winter, note that if sowing is too early and the plants grow too vigorously before winter, the plants may freeze to death before the winter cold wave, causing losses to growers.
3. Cultivation and weeding
The root system of peas is distributed relatively shallowly, so their absorption capacity is weak. Therefore, weeding must be done well. Once weeds are found, they must be pulled out, preferably by hand. When pulling weeds, squat in the furrow and do not step on the stems and leaves of the plants. In addition, proper cultivation can loosen the soil, promote root growth, and benefit the growth and development of the plants.
4. Fertilizer and water management
As mentioned earlier, the root system of peas is distributed relatively shallowly, so they are not drought-tolerant. Therefore, to obtain a high yield, fertilizer and water management is extremely important. Fertilizer should be applied promptly once the young sprouts emerge. Some manure water can also be applied as a top dressing, trying to make it available for the peas to absorb. However, when fertilizing, note that concentrated fertilizer should not be applied, to avoid burning the roots. Try to apply diluted manure as a top dressing. If manure water fertilizer is insufficient, some compound fertilizer can be used, and water promptly after top dressing.
The above is the relevant introduction to the cultivation techniques of pea shoots. We hope it is helpful to everyone.