Tools and Materials
Materials
Snow Pea Seeds
Organic Manure
- Pesticide
- Fertilizer
How to Grow Snow Peas From Seed
When sowing the seeds for snow peas, ensure these conditions are met for successful germination:
Temperature
Before planting snow pea seeds, make sure the temperature is between 45 to 70 degrees F. Although snow peas can survive frost, it is better to avoid it altogether and sow the seeds during early spring.
Preparing the Soil
The soil for the snow peas should be rich in organic matter. If necessary, work organic manure into the soil before planting.
Install a Garden Trellis
Install a garden trellis beforehand to provide ample support to the growing vines and to avoid disturbing the roots later. Make sure the area can support the trellis as you may need to anchor it on a wall or the ground.
- Use measuring tape and mark where you'll place the trellis.
- On the marked spots, dig post holes about two feet deep in the soil.
- Place the trellis posts in the holes.
- Secure the posts by backfilling the soil and tamping down firmly.
How Deep to Plant Snow Peas
Select the area where you want to plant your seeds. Directly sow the peas into damp, prepared soil near the base of the trellis. The bottom of the trellis should not be more than three to four inches above the ground so the young plants can latch onto it easily.
Snow peas are planted by sowing the seeds 1 ½ to 2 inches apart and 1 ½ inches deep with 18 to 24 inches between rows. When spacing rows, it is important to consider for easy access during harvesting.
Planting in Pots
Planting snow peas in pots can be tricky as they are prone to toppling over and need constant support. Choose a medium-sized pot at least 20 - 30 cm deep that's easy to position against a trellis or fence. Sow the seeds about 2 inches apart in a damp composition of well-draining soil and compost.
Caring for Snow Peas
Caring for snow peas requires little effort. Just keep the following things in mind.
Optimal Sunlight
Snow peas need six to eight hours of direct sunlight and partial shade. Their vines are tender, and too much sun can damage them. Snow peas can grow in partial shade, but they won't yield as much produce as those grown in the full sun.
Water Regularly
Snow peas need to be watered regularly, at least 1 inch per week. In hotter climates, keep the plants well-watered, or the peas can grow to be tough instead of crunchy.
Required Temperature
Snow peas thrive in cool temperatures and can tolerate some frost. As long as the soil remains cool, humid weather is also tolerable. However, they do not perform well in temperatures above 85 degrees F.
Fertilizers
It is recommended to add fertilizer to your soil immediately after planting snow peas and also after the first harvest.
Pests and Diseases
Powdery mildew is common in snow peas and usually appears during hot weather. Aphids and weevils are also drawn to snow peas. If the infestation is mild, a water hose can be sufficient to wash these pests away. If not, spray the plants with pesticides.
Wear gloves and safety goggles when handling pesticides and fertilizers to avoid contact with eyes or skin.
When to Harvest Snow Peas
Snow peas can be picked before the pod starts to swell and when the peas are slightly enlarged but not fully formed. The pods should be glossy and flat. Harvest peas every two to three days as the pods grow pretty fast. Hold the vine with one hand and gently snap the pea pod from the plant or use scissors to cut it off. If you wait too long, the peas will become tough and starchy.
Learning how to grow snow peas is easy and you can harvest a plentiful crop less than two months after planting.