February is the time to plant early vegetable crops such as garden peas (Pisum sativum) and spinach (Spinacia oleracea). These plants can be planted from January to February and will tolerate freezing temperatures. Spinach can withstand temperatures as low as 20F.
Peas planted early can be hardened to withstand frost, however, the flowers are still susceptible to freezing temperatures and will need protection. A row cover can be used to protect the plants. A light to medium weight spun-bonded polypropylene row cover will provide 4 degrees of frost protection down to 28F. Remove the row cover before the temperatures get above 75F. High temperatures under the row covers may inhibit the growth of the plant.
Garden peas can be sown in either a single row on 2-4 inch spacing or double rows. Space the rows 6-18 inches apart. To extend the harvest, sow additional rows in 2-week intervals. Pea plants will also need support from a small trellis. Spinach seeds should be spaced 2 inches apart in rows that are 1-3 feet apart. For best results, a soil test is recommended for accurate fertilization ratios.
Mulch plants with 2-3 inches of organic material, such as shredded leaves or pine straw. This will help keep pea plant roots cool, prevent moisture loss, and suppress weeds.
Recommended cultivars of English peas include Alaska, Mr. Big, Maestro, Wando (heat tolerant), and Lincoln (heat tolerant). Recommended cultivars of edible-podded peas (snap peas) include Super Sugar Snap, Sugar Sprint, and Early Snap. Recommended cultivars of snow or sugar peas include Snowbird, Oregon Sugar Pod II, and Dwarf Gray Sugar.
Recommended cultivars of spinach include Melody and Space. Spinach can be ready to harvest 37 to 45 days after planting. Harvest dark green, tender leaves that are 3-6 inches long. Start picking the outer leaves and harvest the new leaves as they reach the desired size.
For edible-podded types, harvest when pods are fully developed (about 3 inches), but before seeds are more than 50% of their full size. Pick snow peas while the pods are quite flat and the seeds are tiny. This is usually within 7 days from flowering. Overripe snap peas and snow peas can be shelled and used like English peas. Overly matured pods of garden peas can also be dried and shelled with the dried peas used in soups.
To prevent the spread of diseases, pick pods when the plants are dry. When harvesting, use two hands to detach the pods. Jerking pods from the vines can cause plants to stop producing and even pull plants out of the ground. The sugar in peas quickly converts to starch, so eat or freeze as soon as possible after harvest to ensure maximum flavor. Fresh peas can be stored unwashed for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
For more information on early spring vegetables, please visit the Home and Garden Information Center website at hgic.clemson.edu. Tune in on Tuesday nights to watch “Making it Grow” at 7pm on SCETV or mig.org. Email Outen at callenb@clemson.edu.
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