| Ideally, the best time to start growing peas is in the spring. It takes peas just over a month to germinate at 41°F but less growing time is needed if temperatures are higher. Most varieties of growing peas will, in fact, actually stop producing pods should the temperature exceed 70°F. Naturally, peas like to sprout in the warmth and grow in the cool air. Because of this they tend to grow poorly in cool soil, so sometimes it may be necessary to replicate nature by allowing them to germinate indoors, before planting them in your backyard or whatever area you have chosen for growing peas in. To do this, you will need to soak your pea seeds in a cup of water overnight, drain the water, and then leave them to start germinating – usually within 3 to 5 days. During this period, you are advised to rinse them everyday to prevent mould. Some people also swear by coating the seeds with an inoculant prior to planting them in cooler soils. It’s said to cause the seeds to germinate at a quicker rate. This is, of course, not necessary for summer-planted peas, because warm soil usually has adequate nitrogen-fixing bacteria. If you’re going to plant them in the summer, when it’s hot and dry, adding plenty of compost or well-rotted manure will help improve the soil’s moisture-retaining ability. | 
