If you love crisp, sweet pods straight from the garden, snow peas deserve a spot in your spring and fall planting plans. Here in Zone 7b, we have a wonderful window for growing these cool season favorites. Stop by Beaver Bark and check out our current selection of Snow Peas.
Why Grow Snow Peas
Snow peas are harvested for their flat, tender pods before the peas inside fully develop. They are delicious fresh, lightly sautéed, or tossed into stir fry. Because they thrive in cool weather, they are one of the first crops you can plant in early spring and one of the last you can enjoy in fall.
When to Grow Snow Peas in the Tri-Cities (Zone 7b)
Zone 7b has mild winters and warm summers. Snow peas prefer temperatures between 45 and 75 degrees.
For spring planting, aim to get them in the ground in late winter to early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. A light frost will not harm them. In fact, they appreciate cool nights.
For fall planting, sow seeds or transplant seedlings in late summer so they mature during the cool days of early to mid fall.
When You Should Not Plant Snow Peas
Do not plant snow peas when daytime temperatures are consistently above 80 degrees. Heat causes plants to flower poorly and stop producing pods. In Zone 7b, this usually means late spring into summer is not a good time to start them.
Avoid planting in poorly drained soil, especially during very wet periods. Cold, soggy soil can cause seeds and roots to rot.
It is also best not to plant too late in fall if a hard freeze is just a few weeks away. While snow peas tolerate light frost, extended hard freezes can damage flowers and developing pods.
Choosing the Right Location
Snow peas need full sun for best production. Choose a spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily.
They prefer well drained soil rich in organic matter. Before planting, mix in compost to improve soil structure and fertility. Snow peas are light feeders, so they do not require heavy fertilizing.
How to Plant
If you are planting the 4″ starter plants from Beaver Bark, space them about 2 to 3 inches apart in rows that are 18 to 24 inches apart. Water them in gently after transplanting to help settle the soil around the roots.
Snow peas are climbers. Provide a trellis, netting, or fence at planting time. Adding support early prevents root disturbance later and keeps pods clean and easy to harvest.
Watering and Care
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Snow peas have shallow roots, so regular watering is important, especially during flowering and pod development.
Mulching around the base of plants helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature as the weather warms.
Because they grow quickly, you can expect flowers within a few weeks of planting, followed shortly by pods.
Harvesting
Harvest snow peas when the pods are flat and before the peas inside begin to swell. Frequent picking encourages more production. Check plants every day once they begin producing.
Freshly picked snow peas are sweetest when eaten soon after harvest.
Common Issues
As temperatures rise above 80 degrees, plants may slow down or stop producing. In spring, plant as early as possible to beat the heat. In fall, plant early enough to allow plants to mature before a hard freeze.
Watch for aphids and treat early if needed with a gentle spray of water or insecticidal soap.
Should I start with seeds or starts?
Starting snow peas from seed is easy, and we carry quality snow pea seeds if you prefer to grow them that way. If you would rather skip the germination stage, purchasing starts from your local garden center takes the guesswork out of the process. Our snow pea starts are already established and ready to grow, saving you time and helping you enjoy an earlier harvest.
If you are excited to add fresh, homegrown crunch to your meals this season, stop by and pick up snow pea seeds or snow pea starts at Beaver Bark Gift and Garden Center. Then get them in the ground and enjoy one of the easiest and most rewarding cool season crops you can grow in our area, Zone 7b.