If you’re just getting into gardening, peas and beans are some of the easiest, most rewarding vegetables you can grow — even in a small space. They’re forgiving, fast-growing and don’t need much fuss. Over the years, they’ve become two of my favorite crops because they’re reliable, tasty, and fun to harvest! They are also always my first seeds to sprout every year.
Here are my best tips and tricks to help you grow your own little crop of peas and beans, no matter the size of your garden!
🪴 Why Peas and Beans Are Great for Beginners
✅ They grow fast and germinate easily.
✅ They don’t take up much space — especially bush beans or dwarf peas.
✅ They improve your soil by fixing nitrogen.
✅ You can grow them in the ground, raised beds, or even containers!
🌱 Tip #1: Start Them from Seed
Both peas and beans do best when sown directly into the soil rather than when they are transplanted. (learned from experience lol) Their roots are delicate and don’t like being disturbed! Wait until the soil has warmed up a bit — peas can handle cool weather, but beans prefer warm soil.
🌡️ Tip #2: Know When to Plant
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Peas: Plant as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring. They love cool temperatures and you will get an earlier harvest! Pro tip: sow a few extra seeds mid-way through the year for a double harvest.
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Beans: Wait until after your last frost and the soil is at least 15°C (60°F). If you plant before last frost, this may cause your plant’s growth to be stunted or the seed/plant may not survive.
🧱 Tip #3: Give Them Support
Both peas and pole beans like to climb. You can use a trellis, netting, bamboo stakes, or even a simple string between two poles. For bush beans or dwarf peas, no support is necessary as they won’t grow as tall. This is an example of a trellis that I personally use for my garden, but any support of your choice will work! I’ve also used these bamboo stakes and they are amazing.
💧 Tip #4: Water Consistently
Both crops need regular watering, especially while flowering and producing pods. I usually water every second day if it hasn’t rained. Try to water at the base of the plant and keep the foliage dry to prevent diseases. If you don’t have an outdoor hose just yet, you could try this 2-gallon watering can that will also do the trick!
🌸 Tip #5: Keep Picking!
The more you harvest, the more they produce! Check your plants every day or two and pick pods when they’re young and tender. Or, if you’re impatient like me, keep checking every hour! 😉
👩🌾 My Favorite Varieties
Here are a few I’ve had great success with:
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Peas: Sugar Snap, Little Marvel, Oregon Snow
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Beans: Provider (bush), Kentucky Blue (pole), Scarlet Runner
🌿 Final Thoughts
Peas and beans are proof that you don’t need a ton of space or experience to grow your own food. If you’re looking for a confidence-boosting crop, give them a try this season; you’ll be amazed at how much you can harvest!
Have you grown peas or beans before? I’d love to hear what’s worked for you. 🌞
