Why I Grow Southern Peas in Summer (and Why You Might Want To, Too)

There’s a sound I swear only happens in the South—frogs singing like a chorus, the distant hum of a fan in the window, and the soft pop of peas being shelled into an old chipped bowl. It’s the sound of summer, slow and sweet.

Growing southern peas—like purple hulls, crowders, and black-eyes—is one of my favorite ways to let the garden carry itself through the hottest months. These humble legumes may not look flashy, but they’ve been feeding families for generations. And they just might be the secret to a thriving, hands-off summer garden.

Southern Peas: The Ultimate Summer Companion

While tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash demand daily attention, southern peas ask for very little. Plant them once, give them sun and decent soil, and they’ll grow through the thick of the heat with hardly a whisper of complaint. They don’t mind drought. They don’t need constant pruning. And best of all? They’re meant for the South’s long summer stretch.

These peas are the definition of resilience—and they reward your trust with buckets of pods that store beautifully, dry well, and carry the taste of home.

Gardening the Way Our Grandparents Did

When I was a little girl, my best friend's grandmother grew purple hulls planted right along the edge of her garden. By late July, the vines were thick and humming with bees, and we’d be handed a bowl and told to “go sit under the shade tree and start shelling.”

We didn’t realize it then, but we were learning something more than just how to prep peas for supper. We were learning a rhythm—a way of gardening that didn’t rush, didn’t panic, and didn’t try to force the season to do what it wouldn’t.

The Hands-Off Summer Garden

This is what I teach now in The Hands-Off Summer Garden™️ —a slower, smarter way to garden through the heat. Instead of fighting the sun or resenting the weeds, we let summer do what it does best. We choose crops that thrive with little care—like southern peas, okra, sweet potatoes, and peanuts—and we give ourselves permission to step back.

The class is happening June 28th, and it’s all about setting up your garden to succeed without you having to hover over it every morning. It’s a relief. It’s a joy. And it’s deeply seasonal.

Want to Join Me?

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the summer garden—or wondered if there was a better way—I hope you’ll join me. We’ll talk about building soil, choosing the right crops, and setting your garden up for a season of ease.

There’s nothing quite like snapping pods on a porch swing, knowing your garden is doing just fine without you.

Join the Hands-Off Summer Garden Masterclass – June28th

Let me show you how to grow more and stress less!