

A vining plant that is happiest on a trellis or fence, Pisum sativum produces pods full of round green peas that are technically seeds but more practically your delicious dinner companions.
Pea vines create a stunning backdrop and fill a garden with light green vines and beautiful white blossoms in the spring. There are many cultivars of pea; sugar and snap peas can be eaten in the pod. Other varieties should be shelled and either cooked or dried for best flavor. To extend the harvest season, plant a new row or two of peas every other week after the soil thaws. (Dwarf or bush varieties are available for the weekend gardener, but vining types will yield more peas.)