Pisum sativum
HEIGHT x WIDTH: 150cm x 30cm.
DISTANCE APART: 30cm
WHEN TO HARVEST: Start harvesting the peas as soon as they are about 4cm long and quite plump.
HOW MUCH WATER: Water every day unless it rains.
WHERE TO PLANT: Full sun
CAN I GROW THEM IN A POT? Yes, sugar snaps are great in large tubs or barrels that are at least 30cm deep. Fill the pot with premium potting mix and then make a climbing frame out of bamboo stakes tied at the top like a teepee. Plant a seedling at the base of each stake. Water the seedlings after they have been planted. Make sure that the container gets plenty of sunlight. from all directions.
CAN I GROW THEM IN A GARDEN BED? Yes. The garden bed must get at least 6 hours of sun every day. Mix lots of compost or animal manure into the soil, plant the seedlings and water lightly. Make a climbing frame out of bamboo stakes tied like teepees or use garden wire. Spread some mulch such as pea straw or lucerne hay over the soil.
BEST BUDDY PLANTS: Sugar snap peas has a lot of best buddies because its roots help to put nitrogen in the soil that other vegies love! Plant sugar snap peas with beans, carrots, cucumber, radish or turnips. They even love to scramble up tall corn stalks.
OTHER ‘SMARTY PLANT’ TIPS:
- When you get your seedlings home, let them sit in a shallow tray of water which has had a tablespoon of seaweed solution added for an hour or two. This will get them ready for transplanting.
- After planting, water the seedlings with a very soft hose or a watering can several times a day until they settle in.
- Peas will do best if side dressings of granular fertiliser or liquid fertiliser are applied regularly as they grow.
There’s more information at the Smarty Plants website.