Peas are cool weather crops so they should be grown in spring & fall. Sugar Snaps are vining and need a trellis or other support. Peas are normally sown outdoors once the soil temp is at least 40° (around March 27th). Plant along a trellis. Sow seeds in a band 3” wide (3 rows that are 1½ inches apart), with seeds planted 1½” apart and 1” deep. This creates a denser planting than a single row planting and will produce more peas per square foot. Pea seeds germinate very slowly or may rot in overly cold & wet soils. Days to germination: 6-21. Seeds can be started indoors in biodegradable pots at 75° (around March 1st) & transplanted outdoors pot-and-all around March 27th. Plants will finish early (June) so you can sow pole beans below the peas 5/20 or fill space w/ basil or beets. For fall harvest, sow peas July 15th – Aug. 1st. Peas grow best if seeds are inoculated with a pea inoculant at planting.
Hand pick peas as they fill out, but before they get overly mature and tough. Keep plants picked to extend the harvest.
Peas are an easy seed saving crop. They are generally self-pollinated. Allow peas to mature completely on the vine (the pods will turn tan in color). Always save seeds from the best plants. Minimum population size: 6-25.
