One of the best spring vegetables to grow is green peas. Because they're not always available in grocery stores, growing them yourself is the best way to be sure you'll get to enjoy these tasty treats. Plus, since they're an early spring vegetable, growing peas is a great way to start your vegetable gardening season.

Peas are easy to grow. The key is starting early and choosing the right type for your garden. Whether it be English peas for shelling, snow peas for stir frying, or snap peas for eating fresh from the garden, there are peas to suit your growing conditions and preferences. Here are some tips for growing an abundant crop in your yard.

Fresh green peas are grouped into three categories: English peas, snap peas, and snow peas. While they all grow the same way, each has unique uses. Your first decision is which type of peas are right for you.

English Peas. Also known as shelling peas, these are the most common type of peas available. They are harvested when the pods are filled with seeds but before they mature and get tough. Some good varieties to try include the classic 'Wando' (good for freezing), 'Thomas Laxton' (high sugar content), 'Progress No. 9' (good disease resistance), and 'Little Marvel' (grows only 15 inches tall).

Snap Peas. Also known as edible-podded peas, these peas are unique for their tender pods. You can let them mature like English peas or harvest them when the peas have just started forming. In either case you can eat the whole pod.

Some good varieties to try are the original 'Sugar Snap', an early-maturing version called 'Early Snap' (produces peas 10 to 14 days earlier than 'Sugar Snap'), 'Sugar Ann' (grows only 2 feet tall), and 'Super Sugar Mel' (produces 4-inch-long, very sweet pods).

Snow Peas. This type of pea is common in Chinese cooking. These flat-podded peas are harvested as soon as the pods form but before the peas begin to expand. Some good varieties to try include 'Oregon Sugar Pod II' (grows only 2-1/2 feet tall) and 'Mammoth Melting Sugar' (wilt tolerant).

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