Organic Ingredients - Pea Straw

Pea Straw is the by-product from growing peas. Peas grow on vines which, when dry, create an excellent addition to all aspects of Organic Gardening. Ideally, Pea straw should be sought from farmers using organic gardening practices. Peas are from the Leguminaceae family. Legumes (as they are called) have small nodules on the root system which are high in Nitrogen.

Pea Straw can be added to vegetable and flower garden beds as an alternative mulch.

Adding pea straw to your compost heap will help with aeration. It will also aid in adding nitrogen to the compost heap.

Pea Straw is great for Roses. Try shredding some pea straw and manure (cattle or horse) using a leaf shredder (these can be hired from most garden machinery stores). Add this around your roses in late winter and late summer.

During winter, put a thick layer of Pea Straw over your vegetable garden to limit weed growth and help towards next season organic matter. If you live in an area with heavy snow, put the pea straw down extra thick (about 2 or 3 feet) at least a month before the snow is due to fall.

Shred some pea straw and soak in a large drum or bucket for 2 or 3 days. Use the “Tea” to water your indoor plants and outdoor plants. Add the wet pea straw to your compost heap.

Pea Straw around Tomatoes, Potatoes, Capsicum, Lettuce, Brassicas and other Root & Leaf Vegetables and Fruit will help limit weed growth and will add much needed organic matter to the soil.

Pea Straw is one of the best ingredients an Organic Gardener can use for maintaining strong health plants. It can be used in a variety of ways around your home Garden. Contact your local nursery or garden centre to find out where you can get it near you.

Eric J. Smith is an Organic Gardener and passionate Environmentalist. He is dedicated to promoting the need for an Organic, Natural World. Find out more on Organic Personal Care Products here