Content

• Steps
• Tips
• What do you need

Snow peas (or sugar peas) grow best in cooler climates. If you live in an area with cold winters, you can plant snow peas in early spring, as soon as you can till the soil. Learn how to grow snow peas by planting seeds directly in the soil, then wait a few weeks to enjoy the harvest.

Steps

1. 1 Add compost to the soil. Add about 8 cm of compost for every 30 sq. m. soil. The potting soil contains fertilizers, so you don't need to add compost to it.
2. 2 Press your finger into the soil to a depth of about 2.5 cm. Make as many holes 2.5 cm deep as you plan to plant snow pea seeds. The distance between the pits should be about 5 cm.
3. 3 Place one seed in each hole and cover with potting soil or soil.
   • If you are growing snow peas in rows, each row should be about 45 cm apart so that the peas have room to grow.
4. 4 Water the seeds and soil to help the snow peas germinate.
5. 5 Place a stake or trellis next to the seeds if you are growing a variety that grows very tall, such as the Oregon Giant. Dwarf varieties, such as Snowbird, grow up to 0.6 m in height and do not need stakes or support. Look at your seed bag to determine which variety of sugar peas you will be planting.
6. 6 Pull out any weeds that have appeared around the peas with your hand, especially when they are very young. You don't want to risk damaging the pea roots by using a hoe or digging too deep.
7. 7 Water the snow peas regularly. Direct the water to the soil, but not to the leaves, to prevent any fungal infections from forming and spreading.
   • Wait until the soil has dried to a depth of 8 cm before watering again. Over-watering can cause root rot and stunted plant growth.
   • You may notice that the snow peas will need more water as the flowers begin to form. At this point, it is necessary to increase the amount of water to promote healthy fruiting.
8. 8 Cover the soil with a layer of mulch, such as chopped grass or shredded paper. This traps moisture and protects the plants from the heat.
9. 9 Pick snow peas when the pod is 5 to 8 cm long. The seeds inside the pod will still be flat rather than rounded like seed peas.
   • The pods are usually ready to be harvested a week after the peas have released flowers.
   • Once snow peas have begun to produce pods, harvest them at least every other day for the best taste and texture. The pods left on the plant for a long time become fibrous. Pull the pods regularly to stimulate the plant to produce more flowers and pods.
   • If you skip a pod or two and the seeds get large inside, use them as you would seed peas. Do not eat the pod if it is overripe as it will be fibrous and tough.

Tips

• After planting the peas, there is no need to add fertilizer. Just add a small handful of compost on top of the soil if the pea plants are yellow or don't produce flowers.
• Try planting snow peas in late summer for a fall harvest. Check the date of the last frost and count 70 days from it to find out the last date when you can plant snow peas.
• Most snow pea varieties take 58-72 days to harvest.

What do you need

• Snow pea seeds
• Compost
• Soil or potting mix
• Shovel
• Water
• Watering can or hose
• Stakes or trellises (optional)