A soil test is always the best method for determining the fertilization needs of crop. Information on soil testing is available in the fact sheet Soil Testing , HGIC 1652 . The fertilizer can be applied seven to 10 days before planting or added in a band 3 to 4 inches deep and 2 to 3 inches from the seed. This is normally when the individual seeds begin to swell in the pod but before many pods begin to lighten in color and dry out. Peas vary in maturity dates from around 65 to 125 days.
Experience is a good teacher for determining the proper picking time.
Only the youngest and most tender pods should be used in this fashion. Fresh pea pods are very perishable and should be quickly moved to a shady area and spread out to avoid spoilage by heat. The harvested product should be shelled and processed rapidly. One of the worst in some parts of the state is the cowpea curculio. This small, black weevil feeds in the early part of the summer on the developing pods and later lays its eggs in the developing seeds of the southern pea.