10 Tips for Growing Delicious Snow Peas: A Beginner’s Guide
If you’re eager to try your hand at growing one of my favorite veggies, snow peas, you’re in the right place. They’re astonishingly easy to cultivate and perfect for cooler seasons. Plus, nothing beats the sweet, fresh taste of homegrown snow peas compared to store-bought ones, which lose their sugar content quickly. Below are my top 10 tips to help you grow an abundance of snow peas.
Watch the video version of my snow pea tips on my YouTube channel:
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1. Choosing the Right Variety
First things first, picking the right variety is crucial. There aren't many types, but some notable ones include the heirloom Oregon Sugar Pod II, which is disease-resistant and yields well. Warm climate gardeners might prefer the heat-resistant Luang Prabang variety from Thailand. For limited space, try dwarf cultivars like Dwarf White Sugar Snow Peas that grow to about three feet.
The standard snow pea pod is green but it also comes yellow, like a variety called Golden Sweet or an intense purple color like a variety called Royal Snow.
2. Knowing When to Plant
Timing is everything with snow peas. They don’t like heat and will not grow well when temperatures soar above 80°F. They thrive in early spring or fall. If you live in a hot climate like I do, plant them in November or December so they mature before the heat returns in spring.
3. Preparing the Soil
Snow peas flourish in soil rich in organic matter. They don't need much fertilizer. Before planting, work some compost into your soil. Avoid fertilizing once planted, as it promotes more leaves than pods.
4. Finding the Perfect Spot
Plant your snow peas in sunny locations. They enjoy 6 to 8 hours of sunlight, but in hotter climates, morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal. My plants thrive in this setup, avoiding the harsh afternoon sun they dislike.
5. Spacing Isn’t Everything
Contrary to some advice, I tightly pack my snow pea seeds in a trench under a vertical structure. They’re thin plants with shallow roots that won’t compete much for nutrients. This dense planting means more snow peas for you!
6. Providing Support
Snow peas are vine crops needing support. I’ve crafted easy trellises with T-posts and mesh. Learn from my mistake, though: use 10-foot posts, not 7-foot ones, to avoid vines flopping over and encouraging fungal diseases.
7. Consistent Watering
Keep the soil moist but not soaked. Snow peas dislike dry soil. I water in the early mornings to help plants through the afternoon heat. Mulching at the base retains moisture and keeps levels consistent.
8. Preventing Diseases Naturally
Practice good habits to minimize diseases. Vertical growth keeps plants off the ground, away from pathogens. Avoid overhead watering to keep leaves dry, as wet foliage invites fungi like powdery mildew.
9. Watch Out for Aphids
Be vigilant for aphids, especially in spring. They love tender new growth. I avoid chemicals, using a strong water blast to remove them. If needed, I resort to organic insecticidal soap.
10. Harvest Regularly
Regular harvesting encourages more pod production. Snow peas taste best when pods are flat and tender, just before seeds swell. Check plants daily as pods grow quickly. Frequent picking extends the plant’s life, giving you a longer harvest.
