A little green gem of the cooler seasons

Snow peas are one of the garden’s quiet achievers – easy to grow, quick to crop and reliably productive through the cooler months. Delicate, crisp and wonderfully sweet when picked young, they climb happily with just a little support. Whether tossed through a stir- fry, sliced into salads or simply enjoyed straight from the vine, their fresh snap and vibrant green colour bring a touch of brightness to every dish. Best of all, the more you pick, the more they produce – making them as generous in the garden as they are on the plate!

 

When to grow snow peas

Snow peas love the cool, gentle seasons – not the harsh heat. Sow now in milder areas or from late winter for a quick spring harvest.

 

What soil and position

Best to give them full sun with well- drained soil (they hate wet feet). Before planting, enrich the soil with well-rotted compost and a handful of garden lime for a nutrient boost.

How to plant them

Sow seeds directly into the soil to a depth of about 3cm or into single-cell punnets for transplanting later. Space plants apart 10-15cm. As climbers, they’ll need support - a trellis, netting or even a rustic frame put in place early to keep growth upright. When to water Water seeds in well but don't water

again until they germinate (usually 10-14 days). Water regularly, especially during flowering and pod development – aim to keep the soil consistently moist.





 

HERE’S WHERE THE MAGIC HAPPENS

Pick often as the more you harvest the more they produce. Harvest young ,as flat, crisp pods are sweetest. Morning picking gives you the best flavour and crunch. Mulch lightly to keep roots cool and moist. Don’t overfeed nitrogen as you’ll get leaves, not peas.

TOP TIP

Sow snow peas every 2-3 weeks to ensure a continuous harvest, rather than one large crop at once. Enjoy then, all season.