What soil is better?

Question

what soil would most likely produce the best growing results (if u are growing peas)?

potting soil? clay mixture soil or sand mixture soil?

Answer 1

Peas like a lighter sandy loam but do not like acidic soil. Soil pH should be 6.5 - 7.0. in a sandy soil. Sandy soils readily become acidic with heavy rainfall so you may need to lime the area to raise the pH.

Pisum are very sensitive to compacted soil especially if sown in spring on soil heavy with clay. They will not be able to spread their roots as well as on lighter soil with no more than 25% clay.  This is why instructions say they can be planted as soon as the soil can be worked in spring. They like the soil to be loose for good air movement. Like many plants they prefer a sandy loam. http://soil.gsfc.nasa.gov/stories/storie...

There is a pea specific inoculant to be sure they get the correct nitrogen fixing rhizobactreria for good growth if you have never grown them in this soil before. It can be applied to the soil in granular form or as a liquid.  The inoculant can increase yield and quality of the peas so is well worth getting it.

http://www.ext.colostate.edu/Pubs/crops/...

http://www.neseed.com/Inoculant_i_Legume...

http://books.google.com/books?id=7IkcPFj...

http://www.seedland.com/mm5/merchant.mvc...

Answer 2

"Peas require soil that is loose and loamy, but it does not have to be rich. In fact, since peas are legumes, their roots form an association with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the soil, thus enriching the soil for themselves and for crops that are planted after the peas are done. If the soil was not prepared in the fall, work it at planting time. Some added compost is beneficial to keep the soil light and to add beneficial bacteria and micronutrients."

From: http://www.helium.com/items/837512-how-t...

Answer 3

They grow best on deep, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter

Answer 4

garden soil