The ideal ground temperature for sugar snap peas is around 45 °F (7 °C), but you’re free to begin planting as soon as the soil has thawed enough to dig. Due to their preference for temperate conditions, pea plants won’t do as well in warm, humid climates.
Use a hand aerator or similar tool to punch a series of holes in the topsoil around the pea plant. These openings will ventilate the soil.
Alternatively, the seeds themselves can be dusted with an inoculant before they go into the ground. Inoculants are purely organic additives that can enhance a struggling plant’s ability to absorb nitrogen from the soil. They can ordinarily be found wherever gardening supplies are sold.
Too much sunlight can warm the soil around the plant, resulting in unfavorable growing conditions. If you’ve planted your snap peas in a separate container, you’ll have the advantage of being able to move them around to areas with more or less light as needed. [4] X Research source
Look for sugar snap pea cultivars at your local gardening center, greenhouse, or plant nursery. If garden space is at a premium, you might fare better with a vining type. Since these grow more upright, they’ll take up less overall space.
Use plant markers to keep track of multiple pea plants.
You also have the option of planting your peas in a standalone pot. Just make sure the container is at least 12 inches (30 cm) wide by 12 inches (30 cm) deep to accommodate the expanding root system.
Premade trellises can be purchased at most gardening centers and home improvement stores. They’ll usually be large enough to support several plants at once. Even something as simple as a tall stake or lattice will improve your vining snap peas’ chances during the critical early stages of growth.
Snap peas don’t need as much water as other types of edible crops. Your main goal should simply be to keep the soil from drying out. Avoid overwatering your snap peas. Doing so can stall growth or cause more serious issues like root-rot, which could kill the plants. [9] X Research source
If you’d rather not treat your plants with insecticides, try mixing fresh water with a little vegetable oil and a few drops of mild liquid detergent in a spray bottle and blast bugs whenever they pop up. [11] X Research source
Consider producing your own compost using a mixture of organic waste materials like leftover fruits and vegetables, coffee grounds, eggshells, leaves, and shredded newspaper. To ward off moisture-related rot and mildew, water your peas in the first part of the day so they have a chance to dry thoroughly before the temperature drops.
Get in the habit of inspecting your plants every few days to check for dead and dying offshoots.
Exact cultivation times may differ, depending on your climate and planting conditions. It’s not uncommon for sugar snap peas to grow up to a foot per week. When it comes to determining when your snap peas are at their peak, it’s better to rely on your own judgment rather than a prescribed number.
Vining plants tend to yield more pods on average than smaller bushing ones.
Avoid storing your snap peas at room temperature. Warm surroundings will cause their natural sugars to break down quickly, leaving them limp and flavorless. Try freezing the peas in airtight Ziploc bag instead to enjoy them in the coming weeks.
