Pigeon peas are popular in African, Indian and Caribbean cuisines.They can thrive in many different types of soils and are a great crop to grow.They do best during the early spring and late summer.They can be used in place of lentils, beans, or chickpeas in your favorite dishes.
Step 1: You can buy seeds from a garden center.
You can either place an order online or ask your garden center to order the seeds for you.You can save the rest of the seeds for the next planting season if you plant as many of them as you want.If you want to save the seeds for next year, keep them in their original packet and store them somewhere dry.
Step 2: You should plant your seeds after the last frost of the season.
During the spring and summer months, pigeon peas are best in climates that reach 65 to 95 F.It takes about 3-4 months for them to grow and flower, so you can expect your first harvest in the late summer.Pigeon peas need to be planted annually in some countries.They will come back every year on their own in warmer climates.
Step 3: You should plant your seeds in well-draining soil.
Pigeon peas are a very hardy crop that can survive a lot of different types of soil.If you have the choice, opt for a well-draining soil because they will grow at their peak performance if they don't get over saturated with rain.If you live in a dry climate, these crops are great to plant.To test how well your soil works, dig a hole that is at least 1 foot deep and a foot wide.Set a timer for 10 minutes and fill the hole with water.If the water has drained out of the hole, the soil will drain well.
Step 4: There are two holes to dig, one that is 2.5 cm deep and the other 10 cm apart.
The holes for your seeds can be made with a small trowel.Pigeon peas can be used as hedge plants if you want to set them up along the perimeter of your property.If you don't want to risk getting your hands dirty, wear a pair of gardening gloves.
Step 5: There is 2 feet of space between each row of seeds.
If you are planting multiple rows of pigeon peas, leave enough space between them so they don't get crowded as they grow.You will be able to harvest peas more easily if you have more space between rows.If you have to plant the rows closer together, try to place the seeds in a staggered order so that there is room between them.You can plant a seed in row 1 at 1 inch and 5 inches (13 cm) and row 2 at 3 inches and 7 inches (18 cm).
Step 6: Put one seed in each hole and cover it with soil.
If you want the new soil to be loose, pat it down with your trowel.Pigeon peas are so hardy that most of the seeds you plant should grow.If you put more seeds into each hole, you may have to thin out the smaller plants so they don't get crowded.
Step 7: It's Weed.
Pigeon peas can take root in unwelcoming soil, and they don't need much maintenance.They will be better off if the soil is free of other plants.When you weed, make sure to wear gardening gloves.prickly thorns or stickers can irritate your skin.
Step 8: Pick the green pea Pods by hand.
It takes about 20 weeks or 4-5 months for flowers to appear.You should see new beans every day.You can pinch thepods off where they intersect with the stem.Traditional curry recipes use fresh pigeon peas.They are a great substitute for black-eyed peas.
Step 9: Pods should be left on the plant to dry.
Leave the beans alone until they've dried out and turned brown, instead of picking them off when they turn green.You can harvest the beans by removing the dried outer husk from the plant.You can have pigeon peas in your pantry.They can be used in many different recipes.
Step 10: Unshelled pigeon peas can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days.
The easiest way to shell them is to boil them in a large pot.You should be able to peel away the hull as they cool.As directed, add them to your recipe.The pigeon peas can be kept in the fridge or bag.
Step 11: Store dried pigeon peas in the pantry.
They should be stored in a dry location.If you want to use dried pigeon peas, cover them in cold water and then add them to a recipe.Follow the same directions you would use for lentils or dried beans if you use a pressure cooker.
Step 12: If you like the taste of Indian cuisine, make dhal.
Dhal is usually made with pigeon peas, onions, fresh ginger, cumin, cilantro, tomatoes, and turmeric.There are a lot of different recipes to choose from.Lentils, carrots, or even potatoes are some of the things that some people add jalapeos for.If a recipe calls for lentils or beans, you can substitute pigeon peas.
Step 13: A favorite Puerto Rican dish is arroz con gandules.
A filling dish with a punch is what this is.It can be made with basic pantry ingredients or elevated with lots of fresh ingredients and spices.You need pigeon peas, rice, adobo seasoning, sazon goya, tomato sauce, and sofrito sauce for a basic recipe.You can use pigeon peas that have been dried.If you are using dried ones, make sure to start soaking them early in the day so they will be ready for dinner.
Step 14: Lentils, beans, and chickpeas should be replaced with pigeon peas.
Pigeon peas have a nutty flavor and are very crisp when eaten.They are great with Indian, Caribbean, and African dishes, but can also be added to soups, salads and stew.Fresh pigeon peas can be eaten as a snack.