Snap Pea

''' Sugar Snap Peas '''  Sugar snap peas are an edible pea-pod that do not have a membrane, therefore when they mature they do not split open. Snap peas are climbing plants that do usually need trellis' to support their growth. Not only are snap peas cool plants, they are yummy, delicious sweet peas that are easy to grow, harvest, and eat!

''' Planting and Care '''

 Snap peas are a spring crop. Once the ground reaches 45 degrees, seeds can be planted.

 When Peas reach 6 inches, a layer of mulch should be laid down in order to retain the moisture.

 Unlike other plants peas do not need a fertilizer, since they fix nitrogen themselves. However if need be, you can purchase an inoculant for snap peas called rhizobium.

 Once the first flower appears, watering is critical about 1 inch a week. Before that time however, watering can be witheld to 1/2 inch a week.

''' Potential Problems '''

 Aphis, pea weevils, and thrips are pests that should be controlled.

 If worried about fungal diseases you can invest in plants like the Sungar Ann Variety which is a disease-resistant plant.

 Root rot fungi can be a problem but is easily avoided with good proper draining, like using raised beds.

''' Harvesting '''

 Once that the snap peas look plump it is time to harvest; this should be about 3 weeks after the first blossom.

 Once you start harvesting the plant will produce more peas.

 Make sure you eat the peas or store them quickly after picking because the pod will turn starchy and unappealing.

 If you grow the sugar snap pea variety the flower and leafy parts are edible, however regular sweet peas are not!