Most types of peas are pretty simple to plant, especially the sugar snap peas. Simply plant the seeds and see them progress. Grow sugar snap peas in a greenhouse and believe or not, it is not that complicated because they pretty much watch out for themselves.
Sugar snap peas are a cool season, frost hardy legumes. It is best in salads while fresh, or in stir fries with mixed greens. They are intended to be harvested and eaten with pods and peas combination. You can plant them in big containers like raised beds. Just make sure they are kept well irrigated but too much water can spoil the roots. Here are further details to start with your sugar snap peas.
Quick overview of growing sugar snap peas in a greenhouse
- Type: Cool-season crop
- Time from seed to harvest: 60 days
- Germination temp: 40-70°F
- Time until first emergence: 3-7 days
- Best temp to grow: 50-70°F
- Height: 18 in
- Spread: 3 in
- Light: Full sun (6-8h)
- Grow from seed: 1-1 1/2 in deep, 2 in apart; rows 18-24 in apart
- Companions: Radish, spinach, strawberries and turnips
- Keep away from: Onions, chives, leeks, scallions, walking onions, bunching onions, shallots or green onions
How to grow sugar snap peas in a greenhouse?
- Sow seeds 1-2 inches deep and 2 inches apart.
- Water the seeds carefully with a fine mist until the soil is moist.
- They will require a 3-feet tall trellis or plant spiral for climbing. Place it right at the back of the plants. It is surprisingly attractive when you have an entire vine covered in these blossoms.
- Plant and hoe shallowly without damaging your peas.
- Cut off the tips just slightly over the leaf node once it reaches 8 inches. This will stimulate branching and stop them from becoming leggy.
Perfect soil for sugar snap peas
The soil should be dry enough to work without the dirt clinging to your garden accessories. Nicely mulch throughout the peas to prevent the soil from becoming too heated in the midday summer sun. It prevents serious dampness from rain build-up throughout the roots.
The best temperature and lighting for sugar snap peas
Grow sugar snap peas in a greenhouse with a temperature of 45°F for the seeds to germinate. You can have up to 75°F after germination. They want to have at least six hours of full daylight every day but too much sunlight can hurt them and most types will quit producing pods. Artificial lights may be needed during winter but place them no more than 2 feet above the plants.
Watering needs
The basic necessity of peas is moisture. You can plant them in big containers like raised beds, just make sure they are kept well irrigated but too much water can spoil the roots. So, containers and grounds should drain well.
Pests and diseases to deal with
- Thrips and aphids can create deformity of the leaves and pods. Sprinkle them with a reliable insecticidal detergent.
- Silvery webs on the undersides of leaves may be the work of spider mites, which can damage your peas. It can be washed away with insecticidal soap or just plain water.
- Brownish or yellowish specks on leaf surfaces may point to downy mildew. Improve the airflow and drainage and keep your greenhouse free of trash.
When to harvest your sugar snap peas
Pay attention to your pods and harvest them when they are swollen. Do not wait for too long because they can grow tough and wasted. Picking them early helps them to produce more. They are usually ripe 3 weeks after flourishing. Snap peas will have a pod that looks packed and firm at maturity. They immediately lose their taste after reaping, so pick them only if needed for cooking.
Another thing when harvesting is that if you quit and let them ripen it will stop producing and cannot be stimulated back. Pick them once or twice a week while they are still soft. Grasp your pea by the stem and pull off the seed to prevent you from hurting the pea plant.
