Sugar Snap Peas

I started with Snap Peas (Super Sugar Snap, Pole variety) seeds. I planted the seeds directly into the soil in May after frost had passed. I have been told that I may have gotten started too late in the season (apparently peas should be started as soon as the ground is workable), but I am going to see what happens anyway. If they turn out, great! If not, well I suppose that I will know better for next year. I have created an A frame with poles and string for the peas to climb. (right) Snap Peas are the two rows on the right.

• Day 1 (05.18.09): Planted seeds in two rows 4" apart with 2" between seeds.
• Day 8 (05.26.09): Sprouts begin to appear
• Day 12 (05.30.09): Plants show leaves and are about 1" tall. Three seeds did not sprout at all.
• Day 22 (06.09.09): Plants are about 6" tall and start to develop vines for climbing.
• Day 26 (06.13.09): Plants are about 1 - 2 feet tall.
• Day 32 (06.19.09): Plants are about 3 - 4 feet tall (see right).
• Day 43 (06.30.09): Plants are 4 feet tall and starting to overgrow their staking.
• Day 46 (07.03.09): Plants are 4 - 5 feet tall and flowering. Taller staking was added.
• Day 53 (07.10.09): Fruit has started to appear on plants, peas pods are growing quickly.

Growing Tips: Podded Peas enjoy cool weather growing conditions and should be planted during early spring, with a second crop planted during late summer for a fall harvest. Peas will require a trellis or some support for growing since they are a climbing plant.

Seeding: Sow peas about an inch deep directly into the soil as soon as soil is workable in early spring.

Harvesting: Sugar Snap Peas should be harvested when the pods are plump and have reached full size. Don't allow pods to shrivel out and dry on the vines.