If you want a successful pea harvest, you’ve got to give them something to climb on. Without a trellis or support, peas tend to just sprawl across the soil or try to cling to each other, which usually ends up in a tangled mess that smothers the plants. Plus, pods sitting directly on the dirt get messy and are way more prone to diseases.
Using Branches as Natural Supports
One of the easiest, budget-friendly ways to support your peas is by using “pea brush”—basically just fallen or pruned branches. If you did some shrub pruning last fall or just finished trimming your fruit trees, save those twigs! Just make sure they’re sturdy enough to handle the weight. Shelling peas and marrowfat varieties can reach up to three feet tall, and they get surprisingly heavy when they’re loaded with pods.
I recommend sticking the branches into the ground right when you plant your peas. This gives them something to grab onto the second they start reaching out. The only real downside to branches is that harvesting can be a bit of a scavenger hunt since the pods grow at all sorts of odd angles. But if you’re just growing a small patch, it’s a great zero-cost option.
Trellises and Mesh
For a more organized garden, a trellis is really the way to go. You don’t want the mesh to be too wide, or the little tendrils will have a hard time catching hold. Something with a tight grid—like wire fencing or hardware cloth—is perfect.
It’s best to set up your trellis at the same time you sow your pea seeds. Trellises are huge space-savers, too. Pro tip: plant two rows of peas and put the trellis right down the middle so both rows can share it!
You can also use netting or twine, but keep in mind these can sag under the weight of a heavy crop. If you go the string route, be extra careful when harvesting your peas—it’s usually better to snip the pods off with scissors rather than pulling them, so you don’t accidentally snap your support lines.
Living Supports: Companion Planting
If you’re into companion planting, you can actually use other plants as “living trellises.” You’ll need something really sturdy for this to work, so it’s usually best for small batches of peas or if you’re just growing a few plants for seed saving.
There aren’t many plants tough enough to hold up a climbing pea, but sunflowers are a classic choice because of their thick, woody stalks. Just make sure the sunflowers are already at least 20 inches tall before you plant the peas at their base, otherwise the peas might grow faster than their “ladder” and pull the sunflowers down!