In the initial stages of my gardening journey, figuring out whether something would pair well with the cucumbers I had in my garden was usually my biggest challenge. 

Over the many years of trial and error, I found peas to be a wonderful companion for my cucumbers

In today’s article, we’re going to decode why these two crops perform so well together and how you should go about planting them in your own garden!

Cucumbers and Peas

Yes, cucumbers and peas are most definitely compatible!

However, proper timing, sufficient spacing, and care are some factors that could play a major role in determining this for you.

Although of very different natures, the two crops can be compatible under the right conditions. 

Cucumbers and Peas

First and foremost, peas and cucumbers on their own can be very space-intensive crops.

Peas offer vertical growth, and cucumbers spread through vines, but planting them separately means you lose a lot of planting space. Growing these two together allows you to save tons of space in your garden that you can use to plant other crops. 

Because you’ll be growing peas and cucumbers on a trellis, they can wrap around the trellis and spread super quick, giving you the benefit of shade and allowing crops underneath to be protected from the scorching heat in the summertime. 

Peas also offer nitrogen-fixing benefits and can enrich the soil for cucumbers to thrive in. The two crops can grow simultaneously while also being of great help to each other. 

Another bonus is staggered harvest. Once your peas have finished cropping, you can keep on harvesting your cucumbers until the plant dies off or the first frost sets in. By the time peas are ready to pick, cucumbers will only have grown halfway up the trellis.

Downy mildew of cucumber Plant disease
Cucumber Plant flowering and growing

If you’ve ever grown any of these crops in your life, you’ll know that they don’t have the same requirements when it comes to environmental conditions. Peas like cool weather; cucumbers like warmth. Timing is key to having harmonious growth

  • Start by sowing peas early in the spring, as soon as the soil can be worked (or in modules in early March).
  • Sow cucumber seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before your last expected frost date (or direct seed them after the danger of frost has passed). Cucumbers enjoy warm weather and can’t tolerate frost.
Pea plant

Sometimes, peas and cucumbers can cause some overcrowding issues, especially if your garden is on the smaller side. In that case, you may want to use a trellis or multiple trellises to support rapid growth and keep the crops from competing for space. 

Also, both plants require full sun to grow their best. If the peas grow too tall or too densely, they may end up shading the cucumbers, which can affect their growth and productivity.

Cucumbers will generally need more water compared to peas, especially once they’re established. You want to keep the different watering requirements in mind and avoid overwatering or underwatering either of the plants. 

Fresh pea plant
  • Start your peas earlier in the season as they require a slightly longer growing season. Allow your peas to grow before you plant your cucumber seedlings. 
  • Use a trellis to your advantage and maximize space. Vertical gardening can help both crops thrive.
  • Practice crop rotation to protect your peas and cucumbers from harmful pests and fungal infections. Crop rotation also helps restore soil health.  
  • Ensure both plants have access to ample sunlight. Space your plants accordingly and monitor the sun exposure they’re receiving. Use a tall trellis and guide both plants as vertically as you possible can.
Can You Grow Cucumbers and Peas Together? A Concise Guide

Although pulling off a unique plant pairing like cucumber and peas can be slightly challenging, in my opinion, it just makes it that much more fun.

If you’re truly a gardener at heart, you’ll embrace their subtle growing differences and cater to them so that the crops can grow together harmoniously one day. Happy planting, fellas! 

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One Comment

  1. Thanks.
    its a really good information for my garden to apply, Could You tell me more about tomato and brinjal.

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