SECTION: Compost Crops, Austrian Field Peas, Pisum sativum

Austrian Winter – Very good for cover crops and green manure crops, building tilth and adding organic matter and thus humus to the soil. Peas like well drained and fertile loam soils. Field peas are used as a winter annual in the South and as a spring annual in the North for soil improvement and for forage. Does not tolerate high water table or any substantial flooding. Grows on poorer soil than clover but makes less nitrogen. Doesn’t compete well with abundant winter weed growth. Peas for split pea soup or livestock feed. Breaks down fast into soil.

One packet will plant 100 sq ft when using 5" spacing in the bed.

(Select Cultural Info/Seed Codes in red top bar for more details about codes below)

EA CULTURE: C,W/Matures 17/Harvest 8-12/Yield 10/Spacing 5"

SEEDS PER PACKET: 900

SOURCE CODE: C

PLANTING DEPTH: 1.5-3"

WHEN TO PLANT: fall, winter

PACKET LABEL INSTRUCTIONS: A cold-hardy field pea-sow in Fall for Winter growth (and to protect soil from erosion) & turn them under, or harvest for the compost pile, in the Spring. Does well on poor soil & will fix nitrogen in the soil. For best growth and nitrogen production inoculate the seed before planting. Does not need a lot of water or care. May self-seed. Can be used for cattle fodder. Peas can be used dried for soup but are not good for fresh eating.