A set of eight treatments comprising weedy and weed-free conditions upto 30, 60 and 90 days after sowing and upto harvest was evaluated at the experimental farm, Hawalbagh of Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan, Almora during winter (rabi) seasons of 1999-2000 and 2000-01 to find out the critical period of crop-weed competition in gardenpea [Pisum sativum (L.) sub sp. hortense Asch and Graebn]. Weed competition index increased with an increase in duration of weedy condition ranging from 1.4 to 34.7 during winter 1999-2000 and 5.4 to 48.7 during winter 2000-01. On the other hand, increase in weed-free period from sowing to harvest decreased weed competition index to 2.0 from 34.7 during winter 1999-2000 and 3.3 from 48.7 during winter 2000-01. Weed-free condition beyond 60 days after sowing did not bring significant improvement in green pod yield. The highest additional net returns (Rs. 6,374/ha) and additional net returns/rupee invested (0.64) were recorded where the plots were kept weed-free upto 60 days after sowing. The critical period for crop-weed competition was observed to be between 30-60 days after sowing when the crop should be kept free from weeds to prevent the potential yield loss and to economize weeding in gardenpea.