How to Grow Snap Peas from Seed for a Sweet Harvest

Snap peas are a delight to grow and enjoy fresh from the garden. Their crisp, juicy pods packed with sweet pea flavor are a tasty treat in spring and fall. Growing snap peas from seed is easy for gardeners of all levels. With proper planting, care, and harvesting, you can reap multiple pickings of these cold hardy vegetables.

What Are Snap Peas?

Snap peas are a relatively new vegetable, developed in the 1970s by crossing garden peas with snow peas. They have plump, edible pods like snow peas along with the superior flavor of English peas. Snap peas can be eaten pod and all when the peas inside are just starting to swell Popular varieties include Sugar Snap and Sugar Ann

Unlike shelling peas where you remove the pods, everything on a snap pea is edible – the pod, peas, shoots, and tendrils. You can enjoy them raw, lightly cooked, or stir fried. Their sweet taste and crisp texture make them ideal for salads, sides, stir fries, and snacking.

When to Plant Snap Peas

Snap peas thrive in cool weather. They can tolerate frosts and light freezes. Plant them 4-6 weeks before your last expected spring frost when soil temperatures reach 40°F. For fall crops, plant 8-10 weeks before your first autumn frost.

In warm climates, you can sow seeds in late winter or early spring for an early harvest. Stagger plantings every 2-3 weeks for a continual supply.

Choosing the Best Snap Pea Varieties

There are bush and vining types of snap peas. Bush varieties like Sugar Ann grow 24-30 inches tall on compact plants ideal for containers and small spaces.

Vining snap peas need trellises to support their 5-8 feet long vines. Popular robust varieties like Sugar Snap and Super Sugar Snap produce abundantly on vertical structures.

Preparing the Soil for Planting

Snap peas need fertile, loose soil for their root systems to thrive. Prepare your planting area a few weeks before sowing seeds:

• Loosen soil to a depth of 12 inches using a spade or garden fork. Break up clumps.

• Mix in 2-3 inches of compost or aged manure.

• Rake smooth and create planting rows or beds.

• Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers which cause excess foliage growth.

How to Plant Snap Pea Seeds

Snap peas can be directly sown in the garden 1-2 weeks before your last spring frost date. Follow these steps:

• Presoak seeds in water for 12-24 hours before planting to speed germination.

• Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows spaced 2-3 feet apart.

• Cover lightly with soil and water thoroughly after planting.

• For bush types, plant in double rows 6 inches apart to support each other.

Caring for Snap Peas

Snap peas require minimal care:

• Water weekly if rainfall is less than 1 inch. Avoid wet foliage.

• Weed gently around plants taking care not to disturb roots.

• Fertilize every 3-4 weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer.

• Mulch around plants to retain moisture and reduce weeds.

• Support vines by trellising. Tie loosely in place as they grow.

Harvesting Snap Peas

Begin harvesting snap peas once pods swell with peas and reach 2-3 inches long. Test taste them – they are ready to pick when pods are crunchy, juicy and sweet.

• Pick every 2-3 days to encourage more pod production.

• Use scissors or your fingers to harvest. Avoid pulling pods off vines.

• Pick early morning when sugars are highest.

• Chill immediately after harvest to preserve flavor and texture.

• Leave some pods on plants to mature for shelled peas.

Common Pests and Diseases

Snap peas are relatively pest and disease free but watch for:

• Powdery mildew – Grow resistant varieties and improve air circulation.

• Aphids – Use insecticidal soap or strong spray of water to dislodge.

• Pea moths – Remove and destroy infested plants.

• Damping off fungus – Avoid overwatering seedlings.

Companion Plants for Snap Peas

Some smart companion plants for snap peas include:

• Radishes – Deter cucumber beetles.

• Carrots – Deter pea moths.

• Spinach – Provides ground cover and shade for peas.

• Lettuce and arugula – Make use of trellis shade.

Growing Snap Peas in Containers

Snap peas also grow well in containers. Follow these container growing tips:

• Use a 15-20 inch pot with drainage holes. Go larger for vining varieties.

• Use a quality potting mix amended with compost.

• Add a trellis for support. A tomato cage works well.

• Water when top inch of soil is dry. Don’t let pots completely dry out.

• situate container in full sun. Rotate periodically for even sun exposure.

Storing the Snap Pea Harvest

Enjoy snap peas immediately after picking for best quality and flavor. To briefly store:

• Place harvested pods in a plastic bag in the refrigerator crisper drawer.

• Snap peas keep 2-3 days when stored at 32-35°F.

• Wash just before eating – wet pods deteriorate quickly.

• Blanch in boiling water 1 minute then freeze for long term storage.

Now that you know how to successfully grow snap peas from seed to harvest, it’s time to enjoy these sweet, crisp treats fresh from your garden!