Growing Peas in Western PA

[bernie5711]

I'd like to try planting green sweet peas this year. I thought I could get dried peas from a grocery store for planting, like I did last year with pintos and navy beans, but all I can find is split peas, so i guess I have to actually order peas from a seed company. Two questions....Where should I get the seeds from (there's a lot of suppliers out there on the internet) and what kind should I try? I found some that were called lincoln peas and they said these were the commercial favorites through the early 70's but didn't say what is the favorites now? I'd like to try canning them this year. I assume you can dry them as well?
Thanks
bernie

 

[digitS']

Bernie, I think we are waiting for our dry bean experts to weigh in here but I can express a few ideas.

It is the wrinkled nature of most shell peas that makes me think that they are highly sweet and wouldn't make good soup. An exception is the Alaska pea. They are very early and not so sugary. I have seen them recommended as a dry pea. I have grown them and they are good fresh.

Steve

Baker Creek, Victory Seed, Mainstreet Seed, Irish Eyes, & RH Shumway all sell Alaska pea seed.

 

[baymule]

I grew English peas last year and am growing them again this year. I didn't can or dry any--we ate 'em all!! I posted a thread about them .

http://www.theeasygarden.com/threads/green-peas-english-peas-or-whatever-yall-call-em.13200/

 

[Chickie'sMomaInNH]

if you're trying to get seeds locally try going to a local feed store and picking up a pack or two they sell there. i've found my local feed store will carry Botanical Interests and Hart's seeds and occasionally some other brands that are local. my local hardware (big box) stores carry mostly Burpee and i think Ferre Morse. i have a huge greenhouse another town over that will order from some of the more popular 'organic' seed suppliers and carry the more unusual varieties i've been looking for, or they can even do a custom order! they charge the same amount you would be able to purchase online and no extra fee for shipping, which is really nice since some catalog companies can get ridiculous with their shipping!

you don't always need to order seeds direct from catalogs. i mostly use their online catalogs to do research and then i will buy online if i can't find it locally.

 

[catjac1975]

I like tall telephone-easier to pick. I also love the sugar snaps and mammoth melting. All tall-no bending to pick.