Growing Sweet Pea Shoots: A Guideline
In the quest for fresh, home-grown produce, sugar snap peas are a fantastic choice, especially for those with limited garden space. These crops boast high taste and texture ratings, making them a delightful addition to any meal. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to grow sugar snap peas successfully in containers.
**1. Choosing the Right Variety and Container**
Select a dwarf bush variety such as 'Sugar Ann', which is ideal for containers and does not require heavy staking. Opt for a container at least 12 inches deep with good drainage holes.
**2. Preparing the Soil**
Use a well-draining potting mix enriched with organic matter to retain moisture, as sugar snap peas prefer this. Ensure the soil is loose enough to allow good root growth.
**3. Planting the Seeds**
Sow sugar snap pea seeds about 1 to 1.5 inches deep. Space seeds 1 to 2 inches apart within the container. If you use a larger container, plant seeds in rows spaced about 18 to 24 inches apart, or plant densely in a block for support.
**4. Providing Support**
Even dwarf bush peas benefit from some support to keep pods off the ground. Use a small trellis, stakes, or pea netting in the container to help vines grow upright.
**5. Watering and Maintenance**
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Sugar snap peas do best in cooler temperatures, between 45-75°F, so plant them in early spring or fall when possible, or in a cooler spot for summer growth.
**6. Light and Temperature**
Place the container in full sun to encourage healthy growth. Avoid very hot conditions since peas prefer cooler weather.
**7. Germination and Growth**
Seeds typically germinate in 6-14 days. After germination, thin seedlings if necessary, though thick planting of dwarf bush peas is usually fine.
**8. Harvesting**
Pick sugar snap peas when pods start to fill out but before seeds inside become too large. Harvest regularly to encourage more pods.
By following these steps, you can grow sugar snap peas in containers effectively, enjoying fresh peas even in small spaces. For those with a larger garden, transplanting seedlings into the ground when they reach 12-15cm high can help reduce damage from slugs, snails, and pigeons. In a drier garden, mulching the soil can help conserve moisture for sugar snap peas. Watering sugar snap peas regularly is essential for them to produce a heavy crop.
For a unique touch, growing sugar snap pea plants in a circular pattern allows them to be trained up a tepee of cane and chicken wire mesh. Chicken wire may also be used for supporting the growing sugar snap peas. For early crops, sugar snap pea seeds can be sown directly into well-prepared soil when the weather is warmer, 5cm deep.
For indoor cultivation, sugar snap pea seeds, multi-purpose, peat-free compost, small pots, and canes are required. Happy growing!
Following the guide, choose a dwarf bush variety like 'Sugar Ann' for cultivating sugar snap peas in containers, ensuring a container at least 12 inches deep with good drainage holes.
For a visually appealing touch, grow sugar snap pea plants in a circular pattern around a tepee made of cane and chicken wire mesh, or use chicken wire for support in small spaces.
