Sugar snaps and snow peas do well in most climates over the cooler months of the year. They are not frost-tender so can be sown right through winter even as far south as Melbourne although they will do better if sown in autumn or spring when soil warmth will improve germination and early growth. They don't like too much heat - over 30 deg C pollination of the flowers will be poor, the pods will mature rapidly and overall yields will be lower.
These peas grow best when sown direct although seedlings may transplant reasonably well in the home vegie patch. Sow seeds about 20-30mm deep and 100mm apart in rows.
Both peas are quite vigorous so some form of support is required to keep the plants and pods up off the soil. Stakes at each end of the rows and wires or strings at 200mm above the soil and 400mm above the soil should be sufficient.
Keep soil moist but not wet following germination. A water-soluble or liquid fertiliser may be used every couple of weeks to keep plants growing well - one suitable for vegetables and herbs should do the trick.
Snow peas should be picked when the pods are 75-100mm long and 25mm wide so they are still young, tender and still flat - usually about 10-14 days after flowering. If the peas have started to develop, the pods may be tough and unpleasant to eat.
Sugar snaps are usually picked when the pods are about 75mm long and the peas are reasonably well developed in the pods.
Both types may producer harvests for between four and six weeks so they are well worth growing!
