Description
A hardy, fast-growing perennial legume that provides both food and valuable support for living soil. Pigeon pea produces edible, protein-rich peas that can be eaten fresh when young or harvested ripe and dried for later use. As a legume, it forms relationships with soil microbes that help bring biologically available nitrogen into the soil, supporting fertility and surrounding plants. Its deep roots help open and build soil, while the abundant leaves and prunings provide excellent organic material for mulch and compost. The flowers also attract pollinators and beneficial insects. Plant seeds directly into warm, moist soil in full sun. Once established, pigeon pea tolerates dry periods well and develops into a productive shrub that can be regularly pruned to return organic matter to the soil.
A hardy, fast-growing perennial legume that provides food while also helping to strengthen living soil. Pigeon peas produce edible, protein-rich grains that can be eaten young and fresh or harvested mature and dried for later use. As a legume, it forms relationships with soil microorganisms that help incorporate biologically available nitrogen, promoting fertility and supporting the plants that grow around it. Its deep roots help improve soil structure, while its abundant leaves and prunings provide excellent organic matter for mulch and compost. Its flowers also attract pollinators and beneficial insects. Sow the seeds directly in warm, moist soil in full sun. Once established, pigeon peas tolerate dry periods well and become a productive shrub that can be pruned regularly to return organic matter to the soil.
