What is the planting method for pea shoots, and what diseases are they prone to?

Pea shoots are what we call pea sprouts, very tender and delicate. Though small and slender, their nutritional value is no less than that of other vegetables. They taste very smooth and tender, and they look good on a plate too. Pea shoots are not demanding about their environment; as long as temperature, humidity and light are adequate, they will grow. So what is the planting method for pea shoots? What diseases are they prone to?

I. What is the planting method for pea shoots?

1. Seed selection

From the eating characteristics of pea shoots we can tell that pea varieties with fresh, tender, thick stems and leaves and fast growth are more suitable for planting. Of course, it is not that the bigger the pea the better, but rather the form of the seedlings produced after that variety grows. Generally, the bigger peas are more prone to rotting seedlings, while small, plump varieties are more suitable.

2. Planting containers

If growing at home, the requirements for containers are not high. If growing for sale, it is recommended to choose seedling trays, as this can improve production efficiency, and this is also a very common practice for this type of vegetable. The seedling tray is key to the growth of pea shoots, because there are many small holes in the bottom, which not only allow air but also water to pass through, so when watering there will be no rotting caused by water accumulation.

3. Growing environment

After preparing the seedling tray, choose a suitable place to grow the peas, that is, a place with a temperature of 20°C to 25°C and no direct sunlight is suitable for growing them.

4. Seed treatment

Soaking seeds to promote germination: soaking the seeds before planting pea shoots can increase the chance of sprouting. Generally, soak them in warm water at 50°C for a few minutes, and during these few minutes they must be stirred constantly, so that every seed is heated and its growth is promoted.

Then put the soaked seeds in clean water and soak them for one day. The specific duration can be decided according to the temperature; in winter you can add a few hours, and in summer you can reduce a few hours.

Drying: the soaked pea seeds must be dried of water before being scattered in the seedling tray. Spray water about 2-3 times a day to keep them moist, and in about two days you will see little pea shoots.

5. Generally, once the temperature is adequate and attention is paid to ventilation and air exchange in the environment, they will soon grow to a certain height, and then they can be sold.

II. What diseases are pea shoots prone to?

Although the planting method for pea shoots is not very complicated, improper management can still lead to some pests and diseases, such as the common ones: rust, Fusarium wilt, powdery mildew, leafminer, and so on.

In order to reduce the occurrence of diseases, attention must be paid to the soaking temperature during seed treatment, and to ventilation, air exchange and air humidity in the environmental conditions. Observe actively at ordinary times, and once signs of disease occurrence are found, treat them promptly so as not to affect the marketability of the pea shoots. Because if spots appear, consumers will not pay for them.

Although pea shoots are small, their nutritional value should not be underestimated. If you find them hard to buy, you can try growing them at home.