GREEN MANURE Field Peas Seeds
Botanical name: Pisum sativum
Field Peas (Pisum sativum subsp. arvense) are cool-season legumes valued for their ability to improve soil structure, fix nitrogen, and add organic matter when turned into the soil. Ideal for autumn or spring planting, they suppress weeds, support beneficial soil life, and are suited to both small gardens and broadacre farming systems.
- Excellent nitrogen fixer that enriches soil and reduces fertiliser needs.
- Adds bulk organic matter, improving texture, aeration, and fertility.
- Suppresses weeds and helps prevent erosion during fallow periods.
- Easy to establish and manage in a wide range of conditions.
- Attracts beneficial insects and contributes to soil biodiversity.
Plant Details:
- Plant Type: Annual cool-season nitrogen-fixing legume
- Sowing Rate: 80–125 kg/Ha
Sowing Information:
- Sow When:
Temperate: Autumn or early spring
Subtropical: Autumn
Tropical: Not recommended - Germination: 7–14 days
- Depth: Sow 2–3 cm deep
- Position: Full sun to part shade
- Sow Where: Directly into prepared beds, fields, or garden rows
- Soil Type: Well-drained soil with pH 6.0–7.0
- Spacing: Broadcast or drill in rows 15–30 cm apart
Management:
- Water regularly until established; drought-tolerant once mature.
- Cut and incorporate into the soil before flowering to maximise nitrogen fixation and biomass return.
Soil Incorporation:
Till in or chop and drop as green manure 6–10 weeks after sowing, or before flowering for optimal soil-building effect.
When to Sow Field Peas in Your Climate
| Climate Zone | Best Planting Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Temperate | Autumn or early spring | Establish before frost or heat; ideal for resting vegetable beds. |
| Subtropical | Autumn | Sow after summer crops to boost nitrogen ahead of winter planting. |
| Tropical | Not suitable | Choose tropical legumes such as sunn hemp or lablab. |
| Cool | February–April | Sow early enough to establish before winter frosts deepen. |
| Arid | March–May | Best with supplemental irrigation during dry periods. |
Quick Growing Guide
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Germination Time | 7–14 days |
| Sowing Depth | 2–3 cm |
| Watering | Keep moist until established; minimal watering once mature. |
| Growth Period | 6–10 weeks before incorporation |
| Incorporation | Cut and dig in before flowering for best nitrogen return. |