Pea shoots are appealing, perhaps because of their vibrant green color or their delicate, yet crunchy texture. Whatever the reason for your preference for pea shoots, you can have an endless supply with a little extra effort!
Growing pea shoots on your kitchen windowsill is quick, rewarding, and nutritionally beneficial. It works in a similar way to growing shoots of other plants in that you don’t have to wait for the plant to fully mature because you just harvest the sprouts.
Here’s how to grow pea shoots on your windowsill.
- Gather the necessary tools and materials. You can use a pot or repurpose old yogurt packaging as a pot. Fill it halfway with potting soil. Then, take some dried peas from the supermarket.
- Soak your peas for at least one day in the water. Once properly moistened, drain and spread them in a single layer. Don’t worry about spacing them; they can be very close together.
- Cover them with more damp soil to fool them into thinking they’re in the dark. Finally, you are free to leave. Just keep your growing medium moist every other day.
It takes only two weeks to grow some tasty pea shoots. Pea shoots can be harvested when they reach about 3 inches in height and a second batch of leaves appears. But, if you keep them in early spring, it can take a bit more time for them to grow because of the colder temperatures.
Easily take the leaves and stems from the shoots and mince them into your bowl. The shoots will produce more leaves, giving you a few more crop yields. They can be eaten either with or without the “pea,” though some people prefer it without.
Aside from the nutritional benefits, watching peas take root and emerge is a wonderful joy. It can boost your mental health during long periods of isolation.
It’s incredibly satisfying to learn how to grow something new that you can eat. With little money, little expertise, and little time, you can get the reward of fresh, sustainably grown goodness emerging from your personal kitchen.
