Sugar snap peas and snow peas are delightful and easy-to-grow additions to any early spring garden. They have a crisp, sweet flavor, and we love these for snacking straight off the vine. Only occasionally do they make it in the house for adding to salads, stir-fries, polentas and other dishes.
Growing peas is also an excellent way to introduce nitrogen -fixing vegetables to your garden, helping to enrich it for those warm season, nitrogen loving crops. With just a little prep, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of these crunchy legumes.
In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know about growing sugar snap and snow peas, from planting to harvesting, as well as some tips for maximizing your crop.
Table of Contents
- What Are Early Spring Peas?
- When to Plant Spring Peas
- Where to Plant Spring Peas
- How to Plant Spring Peas
- Growing Spring Peas
- Harvesting Spring Peas
- Final Thoughts
What Are Early Spring Peas?
Snow peas are the flat peas that are harvested while the peas are still tiny. Because they are young, their pods are edible because they have not yet become fibrous. Their name comes from their ability to withstand a light snow.
Sugar snap peas (Pisum sativum var. macrocarpon) are a bit fatter and rounded. They are a hybrid of snow peas and garden peas. But unlike garden peas, whose pods are thick and fibrous, sugar snap peas have thin, edible pods (like snow peas) that are sweet and tender, even when eaten raw. The peas inside the pods are plump and sweet, but the real treat is the pod itself—sweet and crunchy. Sugar snap peas are often harvested when the peas are still young, but the pod is fully mature, providing a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
They are both cool-season vegetables, making them a great choice for early spring or late fall planting, depending on your climate.
When to Plant Spring Peas
Grow spring peas in cool temperatures. They are best planted in early spring or late winter. Here’s a general timeline for planting:
- In regions with cold winters (zones 3-5): Plant peas 4–6 weeks before the last expected frost. For example, plant them in early to mid-March, depending on your area’s climate.
- In milder climates (zones 6-9): Plant in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, mid-February is ideal; or even in late fall for a winter harvest.
Spring peas thrive in temperatures between 55°F and 70°F (13°C–21°C). Any frost will damage the young plants, but once they are established, they can handle some light frost, which is why they are often one of the first crops to be harvested in the spring.
Where to Plant Spring Peas
Peas prefer full sun, but they can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates. Select a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight a day for the best results. The soil should be well-draining, rich in organic matter, and slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0). To improve soil health, mix in compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
Raised beds or garden containers are ideal for peas if you have limited space or poor soil. You can also grow them along a fence or trellis to save space and make harvesting easier.
How to Plant Spring Peas
Growing spring peas is relatively simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
1. Prepare the Soil
Peas prefer fertile, well-drained soil. Prepare the planting area by loosening the soil to a depth of about 4 to 6 inches. Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to improve fertility and drainage. You can also add a balanced fertilizer or bone meal to boost phosphorus levels, which promotes strong root development and flowering.
2. Plant the Seeds
Peas are typically direct-sown into the soil. Plant seeds 1–2 inches deep and space them about 1–2 inches apart in rows. Leave about 18–24 inches between each row to provide ample space for the plants to grow.
If you’re using a trellis or other vertical support, plant the seeds along the support so the vines can climb. Peas have tendrils that latch onto supports as they grow, helping them stay upright and reducing the risk of disease by improving airflow.
3. Watering and Mulching
After planting, water the seeds gently to settle the soil around them. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, as peas can be sensitive to excess moisture. Mulching around the plants with organic material like straw or wood chips can help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil temperature consistent.
4. Provide Support
Spring peas are climbing plants, so they need something to latch onto as they grow. You can use a trellis, chicken wire, or even a simple fence. The plants will grow up to 4–6 feet tall, so ensure your support is sturdy enough to hold the full height of the plants once they mature. If you’re growing in containers, consider using a tall stake or a small obelisk trellis.
5. Maintain Plant Health
Spring peas are relatively low-maintenance, but you should check them regularly for pests like aphids or pea weevils. If you see pests, try spraying the affected plants with a mixture of water and mild dish soap or neem oil. Good airflow is essential for preventing fungal diseases, so be sure to avoid overcrowding.
Growing Spring Peas after Planting
1. Fertilization
While peas generally don’t need heavy fertilization, you can feed them with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time to give them a boost. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they encourage leaf growth rather than pod production. If you use compost-rich soil, additional fertilizing may not be necessary.
2. Watering
Peas prefer consistent moisture. Water them regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid overwatering, as soggy soil can lead to root rot or fungal issues. Water early in the day to help the soil dry off by evening, which prevents disease.
3. Pruning and Pinching
Once your plants are established, you don’t need to prune them unless they become overcrowded. Pinch off any leggy or damaged growth to encourage healthier plants. You may also need to provide additional support to your trellis as the plants grow taller.
4. Pest and Disease Control
Common bugs that may attack sugar snap peas include aphids, slugs, and pea weevils. You can control aphids with insecticidal soap or a gentle stream of water to knock them off the plants. Slugs can be managed using beer traps or diatomaceous earth around the base of the plants. Keeping your garden clean and ensuring good airflow will help prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Some small birds such as Goldfinches may also eat tender sprouts. If your birds like tender legumes like mine do, you can share, plant more, or try using a mesh cage.
Harvesting Spring Peas
One of the most rewarding parts of growing spring peas is the harvest. These peas are best picked (early and often) while they are still young and tender, with the pods fully formed but not yet overripe. The peas should be plump but not bulging out of the pod.
- When to Harvest: Sugar snap peas typically take around 60–70 days from planting to reach harvestable size. Start checking for pods about 2 months after planting. Harvest them as soon as the pods feel firm and snap easily when bent. If you wait too long, the peas may start to get starchy and lose their sweetness. Snow peas are harvested a bit earlier, when they are still flat and the peas are tiny.
- How to Harvest: To pick spring peas, hold the vine and gently pull the pod off the plant. You can use your fingernail or a pair of snips. Be careful not to damage the tendrils or other pods. If you have a larger crop, use scissors or garden shears to snip the pods from the vines.
Continuous Harvest
Spring peas are “indeterminate,” meaning they continue to produce pods over a period of weeks or even months. After your first harvest, keep picking regularly to encourage the plants to produce more. If you allow the plants to go to seed, they will stop producing pods, so make sure to keep up with regular harvesting.
Tips for a Successful Spring Pea Crop
- Succession Planting: To extend your harvest, try planting peas every 2 weeks. This ensures that you’ll have a continuous supply of fresh peas.
- Trellis or Fence: Peas love to climb, so provide a sturdy support system. A tall trellis or fence makes harvesting easier and keeps the plants off the ground, reducing the risk of pests and disease.
- Soil Health: Adding compost each season can improve soil structure and fertility. Sugar snap peas fix nitrogen in the soil, making them a good crop to plant before heavier feeders like tomatoes or corn.
- Fall Planting: In warmer climates, you can also plant peas in the fall alongside your salad greens for a second harvest before the first frost.
Final Thoughts
Growing spring peas is an easy and rewarding experience that offers a steady supply of fresh, sweet pods throughout the spring. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, these peas are relatively low-maintenance and ideal for cool-weather gardening. With proper care, a little patience, and some space for climbing vines, you’ll soon be enjoying the delicious, crisp crunch of homegrown peas in your meals.
