Of all the things in the garden, peas are the most fun 
from a purely eating standpoint. Right out among the 
vines it's a temptation to eat every one you pick instead 
of bringing them into the house. They're moist and clean 
in the pod, and the satisfaction of running your thumb 
down the inside of that cool, crisp covering and popping 
the juicy things into your mouth is something that only a 
gardener can know. And when they've come straight 
from the garden to the table, then's when eating is worth 
while. 
The first picking of peas is an event. It marks the beginning 
of the most productive season in the garden. That first 
picking will be of Alaska peas. Now Alaskas are smooth 
peas, which means that they aren't as sweet as the wrinkled 
varieties, but they are the earliest and hardiest thing you 
can plant, and who wants to wait an extra week? They'll 
be ready to eat along about the first of June, and by the 
way, plant them deep (five inches) and plant them as 
early as you can get them into the ground. All peas like 
cold, wet soil, and can stand a little frost. 
When it comes to choosing the kind of peas you want in 
the wrinkled (sweet) varieties, you'll have to do a bit of 
deciding because there are several good kinds. The 
earliest ones are American Wonder and Laxton's 
Progress. They are both short vined, 
but the American Wonder has a 
small pod and a small delicious pea, 
while Laxton's Progress has a very 
large pod and a whale of a crop for 
the size of the vine. Good to eat, too. 
